Obsessive-compulsive disorder refers to an anxiety behavior portrayed by invasive thoughts. These thoughts lead to recurring behavior that can be distinguished by uneasiness, nervousness, panic, or worry. The most common type of OCD is repetitive hand washing. People with the obsessive- compulsive disorder may try to control or stop the obsessions. This does not work out for the best as it amplifies stress and anxiety.
Obsessive-compulsive behavior has been existent for centuries. In the 17th century, compulsions and obsessions were viewed as symptoms of melancholy. In 1691, Bishop John Moore of England held a sermon regarding religious melancholy. According to him, those obsessed have mischievous and at times sacrilegious thoughts that begin in their mentality. He continues by saying that, despite their devotion to God, the more they try to repress these thoughts, the more they increase. (obsessive-compulsive and related disorders, 2012)
Before the growth of psychological treatments, the endorsed treatment was to curb the condition by doing the compulsive behavior harder and often. Traditional talk better known as therapy was good for the understanding of the patient’s mind. Individuals who drew too much attention, which was very common, were persecuted, imprisoned, or subjected to cruel, wrong experiments (Zelman, 2009).
Some myths associated with OCD include; OCD behavior is caused by low self-esteem and bad childhood and that it is a rare disease. People should realize that these are just myths. The causes of the disorder are not completely clear and may be linked with the functions of neurotransmitters. OCD is a common disorder that is affecting about 2.2 million American adults every year.
There are common signs and symptoms of obsessive-compulsive behavior. The individual may inhabit behaviors such as extreme double-checking of stuff; frequent checking on dear ones; doing ridiculous things to lessen anxiety such as counting; constant cleaning and washing; obsession with religious or sexual thoughts; arranging stuff or accumulating petty things. Such symptoms can be time-consuming and tend to push people away.
Neurotransmitters are chemical couriers communicating diverse tasks to the body. Research implies that a disproportion of neurotransmitters could add to anxiety disorders. The neurotransmitters associated with Obsessive-compulsive disorder are gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), epinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine. Deficiencies in serotonin are extremely linked to depression and anxiety. Research undertaken at the University of Utah revealed that OCD is connected to the increase or decrease of certain neurotransmitters. When a decrease in the level of serotonin occurs and an increase in the level of dopamine occurs the frail interaction flanked by these neurotransmitters amplifies the anxiety of a person with OCD (Obsessive-compulsive and related disorders, 2012).
For example, when one feels the need to clean or wash a place after it gets dirty, neurotransmitters transmit the message and the body responds by looking for washing equipment. The brain of a person who has OCD conveys the message differently due to an influx of particular neurotransmitters.
Although OCD is categorized as a disease with biological roots, its diagnosis does not include medical tests. OCD diagnosis may be hard as it is difficult to distinguish it from other psychiatric disorders. The following steps make the diagnosis of the illness easy. A clinical examination of the patient’s emotional past is closely done. The diagnosis could also involve the observation of current symptoms. Differential diagnosis is also used in the diagnostic process of the disease.
Differential diagnosis of OCD is inclusive of hypochondriasis, depressive disorders, and generalized anxiety disorders. Examination of the patient’s family history is also used in diagnosing obsessive-compulsive behavior. In the diagnosis of OCD, professionals such as psychologists, psychiatrists, and family doctors are involved. They use their experience to make the diagnosis.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder can be treated using various methods. OCD treatment involves the use of antidepressant medication, behavior therapy, and in rare cases surgical severing of the cingulum. The fact that behavioral therapy involves desensitization and relearning has both advantages and disadvantages.
A patient who is going through behavioral therapy is in an environment that is prone to his/her obsessions may not respond to treatment. On the other hand, a patient who is in an environment where those around him/her are supportive is more likely to respond positively to treatment. Antidepressant medication has serious side effects. These side effects include sexual dysfunctions and weight gain. An environment where people have issues with overweight people may detract a patient from successive treatment.
Past treatment involved therapy but in the new treatment different medications are used. Past therapy involved traditional talk, as opposed to the new therapy where psychiatrists and psychologists talk about the patient’s history and the present. This, unlike in the past, makes the patient feel free to share experiences. OCD patients are not imprisoned as it was done in the past. Patients are now treated with care since the illness has now become accepted in society. Antidepressants are now used in the treatment of OCD. Antidepressants medications were not present in the past. They are now used to treat OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, 2012)
In conclusion, obsessive-compulsive behavior is a condition that can be dealt with if the involved parties work together to eliminate it. People with this condition may not realize it in the early stages. However, People suffering from OCD tend to have the urge to try eliminating the disease without the help of a professional. While this may have worked for a few individuals, research has shown that many are those that fall right back into their past obsessions. Therefore, OCD, like any other illness should be reported to a professional with experience for proper treatment.
References
Obsessive compulsive and related disorders. (2012). Web.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (2012). Web.
Zelman, P. E. (2009). Human Diseases: A Systemic Approach. New Jersey: Prentice Hall.