Live Life Team
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a psychological disorder mostly characterised by intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviours that drive a person to act or behave in ways to prevent dreaded events.
People with this kind of psychological disorder show common obsessions including constant and irrational anxiety about germs, contamination, and dirt, sensing that something distressful will happen. They tend to worry that even the tiniest thing can cause extreme harm and missing the smallest detail can result in total chaos in their lives. In line with compulsion, people with OCD repeatedly wash their hands, take baths, clean household items, keep checking on things, do daily activities at an very slow pace, and save things such as old newspapers, rubber bands, and the like.
A recent epidemiological data revealed that OCD ranks fourth as the most common psychological disorder, and its commonality is associated with diabetes mellitus and asthma. Experts relate the incidence of OCD with the level of the chemical serotonin in the human brain. When the specific flow of the chemical is blocked, it results in an overreaction of the alarm system in the brain and triggers hyperactivity of the brain’s danger impulses. These impulses are recognised by the brain and cause a person to experience unrealistic doubts and fears.
Nienke Tenney of Untrecht University says that a combination of various psychological treatments, such as prescribing medication and behaviour modification are the most effective ways of dealing with OCD. It is important to note the significance of peer relations, as well as self esteem when treating OCD, especially in children.
