What if that anxiety is OCD?

OBSESSIVE Compulsive Disorder popularly called OCD is characterised by obsessions and compulsions which can have a profound effect on a person’s life. It is an anxiety disorder that affects two to three percent of the population and it begins in late childhood or early adolescence. Individuals with OCD experience recurrent and persistent thoughts, images or impulses that are intrusive and unwanted; also, they perform repetitive and ritualistic actions that are excessive, time-consuming and distressing and while they are usually aware of the irrational and excessive nature of their obsessions and compulsions, they feel unable to control their compulsions.

A major symptom of OCD is obsessions, usually exaggerated versions of concerns and worries that most people have at some time; fear of contamination from germs, dirt, poisons, and other physical and environmental substances, fear of harm from illness, accidents or death that may occur to oneself or to others including excessive sense of responsibility for preventing this harm, intrusive thoughts and images about sex, violence, accidents and other issues, excessive concern with symmetry, exactness and orderliness, excessive concerns about illness, religious issues or morality or needing to know and remember things.

The obsessions may be triggered by physical objects, situations, smells or something heard on television, radio or in a conversation and obsessive fears usually move beyond a specific trigger and can change in nature and severity and do not respond to logic. Such obsessional anxiety leads to vigilance for possible threats, and a compelling need for certainty and control. Obsessions can produce feelings ranging from annoyance and discomfort to acute distress, disgust and panic.

Another symptom is compulsions; repetitive actions that are often carried out in a special pattern or according to specific rules to prevent an obsessive fear from happening, to reduce the anxiety the obsessive thought creates, or to make things feel ‘just right’ like excessive hand washing, showering and tooth brushing, excessive cleaning and washing of house, household items, food, car and other areas, excessive checking of locks, electrical and gas appliances, and other things associated with safety, repeating routine activities and actions such as reading, writing, walking, picking up something or opening a door or applying rigid rules and patterns to the placement of objects, furniture, books, clothes and other items among others.

Compulsions and obsessions may take up many hours of a person’s day and can interfere with family and social relationships. They can also have a negative effect on education and employment.

Causes of OCD are not fully understood but it is said to be the result of genetic and hereditary factors and chemical, structural and functional abnormalities in the brain are the cause.

Treatment for OCD can include psychological treatments such as cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), anxiety management techniques support groups and education and medications.

Psychological treatment such as cognitive behaviour therapy can improve symptoms, and this improvement is often maintained in the long term.

Some medications, especially antidepressants that affect the serotonin system, have been found to reduce the symptoms of OCD. This medication can only be prescribed by a medical practitioner.

Side effects of antidepressants may include nausea, headaches, dry mouth, blurred vision, dizziness and tiredness. These effects often decline after the first few weeks of treatment. If your side effects are severe or last for a long time, you should discuss this with your doctor.