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This is a disorder in which the person needs to follow certain set
patterns or routines that may be complicated or tiresome.
What to look for
You may have obsessive
thoughts or compulsive behaviour or both.
For obsession:
involuntary and
persistent thoughts that appear to be senseless, such as an overwhelming fear of dirt;
persistent worry about a past event.
attempts to suppress such
thoughts.
recognition that these
thoughts come from one's own imagination, not from outside factors (not true for
children).
For compulsions:
repetitive acts such as
hand washing, checking and rechecking doors and locks, making sure windows are shut,
tidying, repeating words.
recognition that the
repetitive behaviour is excessive or unreasonable (may not be true for children).
feverish levels of
thought or activity.
depression
and distress as attempts to deal with compulsions fail.
For children:
mute behaviour with
agitated depression.
withdrawal and social
isolation accompanied by delusional thinking.
mood swings from anxiety
to despair.
exemplary functioning in
sports or school work accompanied by compulsive behaviour.
Obsessive-compulsive
disorder (OCD) is chronic and involuntary. The person often realises that they do have a
problem but are unable to control themselves. For OCD patients their obsessive thoughts
and actions interfere with everyday routines, jobs, and relationships.
OCD happens gradually over
time and it is for this reason that people can often not realise that they are suffering
from a disorder.
When OCD eventually
produces symptoms that interfere with daily life, patients may try to hide their
compulsions from other people and attempt to use willpower to stop.
Obsessive-compulsive
symptoms are also found in Tourette's syndrome, depression, and
schizophrenia.
Causes
There are a number of
different possible causes for OCD. Some reports suggest that it runs in families, some say
that obsessions reflect unconscious desires from a childhood stage of development, and
that it is biochemical in nature.
Your doctor will evaluate
you, your upbringing and examine you thoroughly.
Traditional Treatment
The most common form of
treatment involves the prescription of drugs combined with behaviour therapy.
Behaviour therapy will
assist in helping the person to find alternative ways of behaving that will be less
distressful.
Alternative/Natural
Therapies
Alternative therapies are
useful for both relief and recovery.
Homoeopathy -
Homoeopathic
practitioners have specific prescriptions for OCD, which can be tailored to the
individual. Among the remedies that may be used by an experienced homoeopath are
Arsenicum album, Hyoscyamus, Medorrhinum, Nux vomica, and Pulsatilla. Homoeopathic
practitioners have specific prescriptions for OCD, which can be tailored to the
individual. Among the remedies that may be used by an experienced homoeopath are
Arsenicum album, Hyoscyamus,
Medorrhinum, Nux vomica, and Pulsatilla.
Relaxation -
Meditation
and other relaxation techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation, yoga and t'ai chi
all may be helpful. Meditation
and other relaxation techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation, yoga and t'ai chi
all may be helpful.
Breathing exercises are
also very helpful.
When to seek further
professional advice
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