What is OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder)?
OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder)
Obsessive:
Of the nature of an obsession.
Compulsive:
Resulting from or relating to an irresistible urge, especially one against one's conscious wishes.
Disorder:
A state of confusion.
//Summary - Level-C2//
OCD, which affects 1 in 40 adults, often begins in late adolescence or early adulthood. It is characterised by persistent, distressing thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours (compulsions) to relieve anxiety, and its symptoms include excessive hand washing, repetitive checking and unwarranted fears. Although its aetiology remains uncertain, neurotransmitter dysregulation and abnormalities in specific brain areas have been implicated. Cognitive behavioural therapy and medication are appropriate, with early treatment facilitating faster recovery. Stress exacerbates symptoms.
A)
What is OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder)?
Do you find it challenging to stop washing your hands or checking that the door is locked because thoughts like "My hands are dirty" or "Did I lock the door?" keep popping into your head? If you can't stop and it interferes with your daily life, schoolwork or work, you may have OCD. OCD usually develops in late adolescence or early adulthood and is surprisingly common, affecting 1 in 40 adults. The cause is unclear, but it is thought to be caused by dysregulation of neurotransmitters and abnormal activity in specific brain parts.
In addition to medication, a form of psychotherapy called cognitive behavioural therapy is very effective in treating OCD. It is said that the earlier you start treatment, the quicker your recovery will be, so don't push yourself; see a specialist as soon as possible.
B)
Symptoms of OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder)
The symptoms of OCD can be broadly divided into 'obsessions' and 'compulsions'. You feel anxious when thoughts you don't want to think about keep coming up, and you can't eliminate them (obsessions).
Compulsions are actions that are taken to counteract the anxiety, but if they continue for a long time, they can become habitual, and the obsession may go unnoticed. Specifically, the symptoms are as follows, but there are many other types of symptoms. It is also said that the symptoms get worse under stress.
C)
I feel dirty and keep washing my hands.
I returned to the house several times to ensure the door was locked and to check the source of the fire.
Recurrent worries about accidentally hurting others
I get anxious if I do not do something until it feels right, which takes time.
I involve people close to me to confirm and reassure me.
OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder)
Add info)
What kind of disease is there a cure for?
What kind of disease is there a cure for?
//Summary - Level-C2//
Once classified as an anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is now recognised as a disorder in its own right, affecting 1 in 50 to 100 people. It involves unwanted and persistent thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive actions (compulsions). Treatment includes medication, especially SSRIs, and psychotherapy, especially exposure-response prevention therapy in cognitive behavioural therapy. The causes of OCD are complex, involving personality traits, brain circuits, neurotransmitters and environmental factors. Complete recovery is rare, and symptoms often fluctuate with periods of improvement and relapse. Family support is crucial, requiring understanding, patience and careful avoidance of enabling compulsive behaviours.
1)
OCD is not a rare disorder
OCD, like panic disorder and social anxiety disorder, used to be classified as an anxiety disorder. Currently, OCD is classified separately from anxiety disorders.
People with this disorder have their thoughts and actions controlled by persistent and unreasonable images and urges (obsessions) (compulsions).
This is often at odds with your own will and thoughts; no matter how hard you try to shake it off, you repeat irrational actions.
Also known as obsessive-compulsive disorder, there are two types: 'compulsions', which consist of repeating the same actions, and 'obsessions', which consist of repeating the same thoughts.
Epidemiologically, it is thought that 1 in 50 to 100 people will develop OCD. Applied to Japan's total population, this works out to just under 1.3 million people, which is no small number.
Also, like depression and anxiety, it often occurs in relatively young people, so it is a condition that should never be over-tolerated or overlooked.
2)
About the treatment of OCD
The main treatments for OCD are medication and psychotherapy.
About medication for OCD
Medication for OCD often includes SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), a type of antidepressant. It can take a few weeks to a few months for this medication to take effect.
Some patients feel anxious because they cannot wait for the medicine to work, but if you have any questions or concerns, please talk to your doctor.
3)
About psychotherapy and psychotherapy for OCD
In psychotherapy/psychiatry, cognitive behavioural therapy called "exposure-response blockade" is adequate. This treatment method attempts to break the vicious circle of compulsive behaviour by correcting thinking habits and changing behaviour.
Specifically, the patient is deliberately exposed to a situation that causes fear or anxiety, and by instructing the patient not to engage in further compulsions, the patient remains there until the pressure naturally subsides.
By repeating this and leaving the fear, discomfort and anxiety behind for a long time, you will become accustomed to the situation and gradually become less distressed. Eventually, you will be able to return to your daily life.
4)
What causes OCD?
The causes of OCD, like other mental illnesses, are not well understood. Initially, it was thought to be a mental illness caused by people's meticulousness and perfectionism, leading to increased anxiety.
Nowadays, although there are such aspects of personality, malfunction of the brain's neural circuits, decreased function of neurotransmitters, congenital constitution, upbringing environment, social environment, stress, lifestyle habits, coexistence with other mental illnesses, etc., it is thought that a combination of various factors causes the disease.
5)
Can OCD be cured?
OCD cannot be cured by simply taking medication or starting psychotherapy.
The symptoms are chronic, with repeated exacerbations and remissions. It has been reported that between half and two-thirds of patients improve.
However, even a temporary improvement may be followed by a relapse, so please do not self-diagnose and always follow your doctor's instructions, such as taking medication. It may take some time, but if you have any concerns during treatment, please do not hesitate to contact the hospital.
6)
What should my family be aware of?
To take appropriate measures, it is essential that family members first understand the illness.
They should also try to create an environment in which the patient can work on OCD treatment without rushing. Treatment takes time and requires patience. It's best to be careful about encouraging others to "get better as soon as possible".
However, blatant resignation can delay improvement, as I can say, "It will take time, but I've heard that treatment will get better gradually, so let's take it one step at a time without rushing."
The most important thing to remember in treatment is not to help the patient's compulsive behaviour too much. The frightening thing about compulsive behaviour is that it escalates gradually.
When the patient's compulsive behaviour reaches its limit, if the family does not help the compulsive behaviour, it stops, but if the family tries to help, it backfires, and the obsessive behaviour escalates. Over time, complex obsessive-compulsive symptoms may develop, involving the whole family. However, if you are asked to help with a compulsive act, you must be extremely careful about refusing, so please consult your doctor.
We have briefly summarised the points to be aware of below, so please use them as a reference.
- Do not help with compulsive behaviour.
- Don't let your emotions get the best of you, and stay calm.
- Listen calmly without criticising, blaming or ignoring.
- Always maintain a friendly and warm attitude, but draw a firm line and don't indulge.
- Although I do not detail changes in symptoms, I acknowledge improvements made.
