Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) results in recurrent obsessions and behaviors. These can range from rituals or physical tics, or simply to intrusive and uncontrollable thoughts due to your compulsiveness.

This disease is not as linear as other psychological diseases, but VillaRamadas explains better what it consists of (here). In this article, we explain a little more about the origins of OCD and its symptoms. Only then will you be able to better understand this disease and help those who have it.

Origin of obsessive-compulsive behaviors

Like many psychological illnesses and addictions, this type of mental disorder most often stems from traumatic experiences in the past. It often appears as a response to panic attacks and anxiety states, but it can originate from different factors:.

• Personal history: traumatic event that potentiates the development of OCD, such as physical or sexual abuse;
• Genetic factors: as in many mental pathologies, when there is a family history of the disease, in OCD there is also a greater probability of developing this type of disorder;
• Biological factors: Chemical imbalance of serotonin and norepinephrine neurotransmitters. Lack of sleep, for example, or constant anxiety, are two catalysts for OCD;
• Behavioral factors: development of obsessions derived from stimuli such as fear or anxiety.

Symptoms of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive-compulsive disorder can be identified through two major groups of symptoms: obsessions and/or compulsions. Although distinct, the symptoms of compulsion are already a reflection of the symptoms evidenced by the obsessions. They are usually evidenced in the form of physical behavior in contrast to obsessive thoughts.

Obsessive Symptoms

• Strange and recurring thoughts;
• Disturbing images that often arise in thought, unintentionally;
• Fear of loss of control;
• Excessive fear of dying or illness;
• Feeling of constant doubt about all actions;
• Disquiet over the lack of order.

Compulsive Symptoms

• Constant repetition of behaviors, where there is a tendency for them to start being defined the number of times necessary to feel good about themselves
  • Common examples are constant hand washing or checking closed/open windows and doors;
• Repeating words or gestures/actions a certain number of times, with the belief that without this behavior, negative things will happen to yourself or others around you;
• Constant organization of objects in a particular way;
• Examining parts of the body in detail, over and over again, looking for imperfections.

How to deal with people with OCD

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is a limiting but treatable psychological illness. In fact, without treatment, the tendency is for a continuous worsening of symptoms, with potential high-risk behavior and thedevelopment of other serious pathologies.

As already refered, the treatment for OCD involves the gradual reduction of the patient’s rituals, in order to break habits that have already formed and that have become patterns. There is no set time for this type of treatment, as it differs from each patient and from the state of their obsession and/or compulsion. In a first phase, it is important that the individual with OCD seeks professional help. The professional may consider the need for hospitalization so that he is detached from the comfort space where he always applies his rituals.

With regard to people who are closest to the individual with OCD (close circle), they should use strategies that can help fight the disease. Always in partnership with a professional team, some strategies include:

• Be open to talking about the topic, but accept that each person will take their time. Do not insist on the topic if the person does not immediately show interest;
• Do not make judgments and instead establish a relationship of trust;
• Be patient with the evolution and change of behavior of those who suffer from OCD. Treatment and adaptation to a life without rituals is not overnight and your time must be respected;
• Learn more about OCD, and in particular what triggers possible ‘crises’ of the disease. In this way it is possible to help in particular situations and prevent the disturbance from worsening.

If you believe you suffer from obsessive-compulsive disorder, talk to us. If you have someone close to you who may be experiencing this situation, encourage them to seek help. This type of disturbance is treatable and only then can normal day-to-day activities be resumed. It is important that there is professional follow-up so that the disturbance does not escalate to more severe situations.

At VillaRamadas we have the right tools to help you normalize your life.