Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a common mental health condition characterized by uncontrollable and unwanted thoughts (obsessions) that lead to repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions). OCD can affect anyone, but it is most common in children, adolescents, and those with mental illness. OCD can affect people of any age; at least half of OCD sufferers are over 18. Symptoms can start as young as a child or be delayed until adolescence or adulthood.

There is no known cure for OCD, but there are treatments that can help with symptoms. In addition, some medications may be used with psychological therapy to enable individuals with OCD to cope with the disorder’s symptoms and live life more fully without engaging in rituals or having unwanted thoughts constantly intruding on their minds.

Identifying Symptoms of OCD

Obsessive-compulsive disorder commonly appears during childhood, adolescence, or adulthood. Like many mental health disorders, the symptoms can be misdiagnosed or undiagnosed for years before being correctly identified. Some of the most common symptoms of OCD include:

Obsession

Obsessions are repeated thoughts, urges, or images that seem to pop into one’s mind out of nowhere. Sometimes the ideas are images, while other times, they are irrational worries.

Common symptoms of obsession include:

• Fear of bacteria or contamination
• Having aggressive thoughts toward others
• Having objects in symmetrical or in a perfect order

Compulsion

A compulsion is a persistent and repetitive mental act or action that one finds difficult to resist or exercise self-control.

Common compulsions include:

• Touching objects over and over again
• Repeating behaviors, words, or phrases
• Checking out situations in perfect order, symmetry, or cleanliness

These signs and symptoms generally worsen when left untreated. However, it is essential to note that not everyone with these symptoms will have a mental health disorder. Some people may experience occasional anxiety, stress, or depression without other associated symptoms.

It is best to seek help from a doctor or mental health professional if these signs and symptoms appear frequently or if they negatively impact a person’s quality of life. If you or your loved one needs help, please visit Hanei Health Solutions in Gaithersburg And Catonsville, MD, or call 443-978-1330 and speak to a specialist. We can help you or your loved one get the treatment they need to improve their quality of life and live life to the fullest.

Understanding the Causes of OCD

The cause of obsessive-compulsive disorder is unknown. Still, researchers think it may be related to family history, stressful events, or other mental health conditions. OCD often starts during childhood but can develop at any age or later in adulthood. The disorder has also been related to the brain’s chemical serotonin and perhaps the release of stress hormones.

Like many other mental health disorders, OCD is thought to have a genetic component. However, there is no concrete evidence to support this theory. Recent research also suggests that changes in brain chemistry may be involved in the development of OCD. As part of this research, scientists examined MRI scans of people with and without OCD. They found differences in the structure of their brains compared with healthy controls without OCD.

Exploring Treatment Options

There are a variety of treatments available for OCD. The most common treatment approaches include medications and psychotherapy. Seeking treatment for a mental health disorder is usually a positive step toward recovery. However, individuals with OCD need to ask whether their treatment program is comprehensive and considers all aspects of their condition.

Medications

A variety of medications have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder. These medications are used with other therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or exposure response prevention therapy (ERP).

Psychotherapy

There are a variety of psychotherapies available to help individuals with OCD. The most common techniques used include:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This therapy is used to treat OCD and involves a series of sessions that use mindfulness to change the negative way an individual thinks and reacts to situations.

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP): This type of therapy is used to treat OCD and involves a series of sessions that expose individuals to their fears and then allow them not to perform any rituals or behaviors. By not completing the actions, they are reinforced and realize their fears are unfounded.

Regarding these treatment programs, Hanei Health Solutions in Gaithersburg and Catonsville, MD, wants to do more than treat the symptoms of OCD. We want our patients to be treated for their whole body, mind, and spirit. Our goal is to help provide an environment that promotes healing and recovery from mental illness and associated conditions such as anxiety, stress, and depression to help each individual achieve their fullest potential.

Diagnosis of OCD

The first step in getting the proper diagnosis is first seeking professional help. Various mental health professionals can help with this process, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers. In addition, multiple services and programs are available to provide individuals with OCD with the appropriate diagnosis and treatment options. If you or your loved one needs help, please call Hanei Health Solutions in Gaithersburg And Catonsville, MD, at 443-978-1330 to speak with a specialist today.