Obsessive compulsive disorder is an anxiety disorder present in both male and female populations. It can appear as early as late adolescence or shortly thereafter and manifests in both obsessions and compulsions.
Obsessions consist of recurring, intrusive, unwanted thoughts, images, or impulses, which may also involve violent or sexual themes , inducing not only a distressing state in those affected, but also generating reactions exactly opposite to the content of the obsession.
Case in point, that of a young mother tormented by the obsession of her child lying dead in the street, and no longer willing to go out on the street.
Compulsions, on the other hand, consist of feeling an irresistible and pressing need to perform actions that the person himself recognizes as senseless, useless and unrewarding. Case in point is the person who, fearing that he has not turned off the gas in the kitchen goes back to check even several times.
For both the “obsessions” element and the “compulsions” element, this condition has risk factors, complications, but also some possible preventive actions.
Factors that may increase the risk of developing or triggering OCD include:
- A familiar story.
- Having parents or other family members with the disorder may be a factor in increasing the risk of developing the disease.
- Particularly difficult life events that have caused considerable stress, such as traumatic happenings and events that may have given rise to a reaction that can fuel persistent and insinuating thoughts and also the manifestation of a kind of repetitive ritual of thoughts and emotional distress.
- Other forms of mental disorders such as anxiety disorder, from nervous tics and involuntary muscle contractions, depressive disorder, or substance addiction disorder.
Complications
The content of obsessions can be disabling, such as in the case of patients with the obsessive attitude of continuous handwashing, where dermatological complications can occur.
Problems arising from OCD may include, among others:
- A worsening quality of life.
- Disorders and diseases resulting from obsessive rituals, such as contact dermatitis, a consequence of excessive hand washing.
- A considerable amount of time spent only on the repetitive performance of the ritual behaviors characteristic of the disease.
- More difficult interpersonal relationships, behaviorally disturbed couple relationships, family life conditions particularly complicated by the disease.
- Problems and difficulties that illness brings in work activities, school environments, and even social relationships.
- Self-injurious reactions or negative thoughts with suicidal behavior.
Prevention
Preventing obsessive-compulsive disorder cannot rely on many means, early treatment of the disease being the single most consistent resource, at least to avoid worsening of symptoms and aggravation of the problem with repercussions on daily lifestyle. Treatment should be able to be started as soon as possible, as soon as the condition is diagnosed by the specialist, and may be based either on the administration of specific medications or on the accompaniment of psychotherapy or behavioral therapy sessions, to be aimed at symptom containment.
