Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Causes and Risk Factors
OCD likely results from a confluence of factors—a biological predisposition, environmental factors including experiences and attitudes acquired in childhood , and faulty thought patterns.
The fact that many OCD patients respond to SSRI antidepressants suggests the involvement of dysfunction in the serotonin neurotransmitter system. Ongoing research suggests there may be a defect in other chemical messenger systems in the brain.
OCD may coexist with depression , eating disorders, or attention -deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and it may be related to disorders such as Tourette's syndrome, and hypochondria, though the nature of the overlap is the subject of debate.
The beginning of obsessions and compulsions in OCD can often be traced to a stressful event or life change that led to greater responsibilities, such as a new job, the birth of a child, or even puberty . These events can inflate the person’s sense of responsibility, generating anxiety and a desire to ensure that they don’t let themselves and others down by allowing bad things to happen. Case studies show that compulsions sometimes disappear in a hospital or lab setting, as the patient feels the burden of responsibility has been transferred to others.
Treatment and Recovery
Either psychotherapy or medication , or both, may be prescribed for OCD, and research suggests that a combination of the two is often the most successful approach, especially for young people.
These drugs are typically selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI). The SSRIs fluoxetine (Prozac), fluvoxamine (Luvox), and paroxetine (Paxil) have been specifically approved to treat OCD. These drugs have been shown to reduce the frequency and severity of obsessions and compulsions in more than half of patients, although discontinuation of drugs often leads to relapse.
Behavioral therapy for OCD such as Exposure and Response Prevention tends to produce long-lasting effects. Psychotherapy generally focuses on two aspects of the disorder: unraveling the irrational thoughts involved in the condition and gradually exposing sufferers to the feared object or idea until they are desensitized to it and can tolerate anxiety without engaging in compulsive rituals.
If a loved one is suffering from OCD, there are a few important steps to take—and a few important steps to avoid. Do not help the person carry out compulsions even if it seems reassuring, and do not tell them to “just stop it” or suggest that they’re lazy or lack willpower —these are a few of the myths about OCD. Instead, research the condition and recognize that OCD is treatable with therapy and medication , and there are secondary options if the first attempt at treatment isn’t effective. You can then gently but firmly begin a discussion about seeking help.
Explore More About OCD
For a comprehensive understanding of ocd, read our complete guide: