Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is characterized by compulsive thoughts and behaviors that hold the person hostage. Understand better.
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The Disturbance or Obsessive-compulsive disorder it is characterized by frequent and uncontrollable obsessions and compulsively repeated behaviors. This is a problem of the psychological nature, which originates in a disorder of anxiety.
People suffering from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder are in a permanent state of wakefulness and alertness and see any situation as potentially dangerous. This is a limiting disorder that can get worse if it is not properly and early treated. Know more.
The Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
A Look at Disturbance
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder affects 2% to 3% of the population, and can cause various constraints on the well-being and daily life of individuals who suffer from this disorder. In many cases, this problem can begin to manifest as early as 14 years of age.
People suffering from this disorder are aware of their obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors which can sometimes lead these sufferers to depressive pictures. Hence, the importance of always seeking medical help.
It should also be noted that having obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors is not the same as having manias or superstitions. When there is a disorder, the individual manifests a physical or psychological symptom whenever he does not comply with the ritual he is used to.
Risk factors
Although research into this disorder continues, some studies have already managed to identify risk factors for the onset of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, such as genetics and personal history.
Thus, those who have first-degree relatives with this disorder are more likely to develop this disorder. Also, those who have gone through a traumatic experience, such as abuse, especially during childhood, are more likely to develop this disorder.
Causes
Anxiety, panic attacks and traumatic experiences may be at the root of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. This is because both obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors are ways of “reacting and controlling” feelings such as fear or anxiety.
In some rarer cases, beliefs and superstitions, when taken to the extreme, can also result in obsessive-compulsive disorders.
Symptoms of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder can manifest itself through obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. Discover the most popular ones:
general symptomatology
- Intense anxiety;
- Fear, insecurity, guilt and tension;
- Tremors, increased heart rate and cold sweats;
- State of constant alertness and vigilance;
- Repetitive thoughts and behaviors.
obsessive thoughts
- Have strange and persistent thoughts;
- Repeatedly thinking about disturbing images;
- Always having doubts about what to do or not to do;
- Feeling a constant fear of losing control of situations and hurting yourself or others;
- Being afraid of being contaminated with something;
- Feeling afraid of getting sick or dying;
- Not supporting the idea that something is not perfect.
compulsive behaviors
- Check until exhaustion if you closed the doors and windows, for example;
- Being obsessed with cleaning and tidying;
- Accumulate things;
- Organize objects according to a certain method or pattern;
- Wash your hands or shower constantly;
- Analyze body parts in detail;
- Repeat words or numbers, as a ritual to avoid something bad;
- Avoid situations that seem dangerous or that encourage these behaviors.
Treatment
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is treatable. In addition to the use of drugs, such as antidepressants and antipsychotics, it is important to complement the intervention with psychotherapy (cognitive-behavioral therapy), in order to understand the origin of the problem and remove any traumatic memories. Thus, the effectiveness and durability of the intervention are more assured.
