Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is an illness that traps its sufferer. Recurring, unwanted thoughts take over the mind, and the person feels compelled to perform repetitive behaviors to relieve the distress these thoughts cause. This vicious cycle seriously affects the person's life. It occurs in 1-3% of the population.
Obsessions
Obsessions are disturbing thoughts, images, or urges that repeatedly come to mind despite being unwanted. Main types of obsessions:
- •Contamination obsessions: Fear of germs, dirt, catching diseases
- •Aggression obsessions: Thoughts of harming oneself or others
- •Sexual obsessions: Unwanted sexual thoughts or images
- •Doubt obsessions: Constant doubts like "Did I lock the door?" or "Did I turn off the stove?"
- •Symmetry and order obsessions: The belief that things must be in a specific arrangement
- •Religious obsessions: Fear of blasphemy or sinning
Compulsions
Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts performed to reduce the distress caused by obsessions:
- •Cleaning and washing compulsions: Excessive hand washing, constant cleaning
- •Checking compulsions: Repeatedly checking doors, windows, stove
- •Repeating compulsions: Performing certain actions over and over
- •Counting compulsions: Counting by specific numbers or counting objects
- •Hoarding compulsions: Inability to discard unnecessary items
- •Ordering compulsions: Constantly sorting and arranging objects
Treatment
OCD treatment combines Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and medication. Exposure and response prevention technique is particularly effective. Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are used in medication treatment. The treatment process requires patience and regular follow-up is important.