What is the treatment for OCD?

 

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Let's learn about the symptoms, causes and treatment of OCD from Dr. Fatema Zohra, assistant professor of psychiatry at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Hospital.

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) or Shuchibai disease is a type of mental illness. People with this disorder get stuck in a cycle of irrational obsessions (repetition of futile thoughts) and compulsive behavior (an overwhelming desire to act on those thoughts).

OCD can happen to anyone, woman, man or child Symptoms of OCD can appear in a person from the age of 6 However, it is often seen in adolescents and adults.

Symptoms of OCD: Symptoms or obsessions that are commonly seen in people with OCD are:

Unreasonable fearful thoughts of harming oneself or others.

Recurring unnecessary thoughts that there are germs or dirt on the body, clothes or furniture

Sexual obsession. For example, forbidden and distorted sexual thoughts, fantasies or emotions.

Doing the same thing over and over again. For example, repeating such thoughts whether the gas is turned off or the door is locked. Frequent washing or cleaning of hands for fear of germs and contamination

Causes of OCD: It is not yet clear what causes OCD This can be due to various reasons. For example, if someone in the family is affected by OCD, there may be a risk of OCD in the next generation OCD can also be hereditary.

Some people with OCD have abnormally high activity or low levels of a chemical called serotonin in the brain OCD can also be caused by changes in serotonin or dopamine. Excessive drug or stimulant use can also act as a secondary cause of OCD.

OCD can also be an early symptom of certain mental illnesses For example, OCD can occur in the early stages of schizophrenia. OCD symptoms often appear during pregnancy. Others may develop OCD after a significant life event. For example: child birth or child death.

Cure or treat OCD

Just as other physical diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure can be controlled through treatment, OCD can also be controlled through treatment.

Its treatment is usually of 2 types. Better results are obtained when the 2 types of treatment are applied together.

1. Psychological: Cognitive behavior therapy is very useful in psychological treatment. Here the wrong thoughts of the patient are worked on. In particular, attempts are made to restructure negative thoughts, strong beliefs, etc.

2. Pharmacological: In this case, the patient is treated with pharmaco therapy or medicine. There is a saying, "Words do not burn the grass". So patients expect some medicine. In fact, some anti-depressants are very helpful for Shuchibai patients.

OCD patients may also have anxiety disorders and depressive disorders at the same time. So taking some medicine along with counseling along with doctor's advice can give good results.

Some tips for OCD sufferers: Practice relaxation techniques regularly. Yoga, pranayama, meditation, deep-breathing are effective in reducing anxiety and stress in these patients. Adequate sleep and exercise should be practiced. Alcohol and nicotine must be avoided. If treated properly for at least 6 months, many recover completely. In some, the disease may return after many days. Some get recurrent attacks and need to be normal with treatment.