obsessive compulsive disorder

Obsessive-compulsive disorder, also known as obsessive-compulsive disorder, is a mental illness characterized by recurring, uncomfortable thoughts and behaviors that the patient cannot control. These thoughts and behaviors, also known as compulsions, are perceived as inappropriate and pointless, but are performed nonetheless to avoid fear and discomfort.

Symptoms:

Symptoms of OCD can vary from person to person, but can include thoughts, behaviors, and physical symptoms. Examples of thoughts that are common in OCD include fear of contagion, fear of harm, fear of blasphemy, and fear of shame. Behaviors that are common in OCD include rituals such as washing hands, checking doors and lights, checking security devices, and physical symptoms such as palpitations, sweating, and tremors.

Diagnostic criteria according to ICD-10:

The diagnosis of OCD is made according to the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-10) criteria. These criteria include recurring, unpleasant thoughts, impulses, or behaviors, known as compulsions, for at least one month, and a significant level of distress or impairment in daily living.

Medication:

Drug treatment for OCD typically involves the use of antidepressants, particularly serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), which are considered the first-line treatment for OCD. There are also old medications such as tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) that should no longer be prescribed.

Psychotherapeutic treatment:

Psychotherapeutic treatments, such as behavioral therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy, can be very effective in reducing obsessive thoughts and behaviors and improving the patient's ability to manage stress and anxiety. These therapies focus on changing thoughts and behaviors that perpetuate the compulsions and promoting stress management and self-regulation techniques.

mindfulness:

Mindfulness-based techniques, such as yoga and meditation, can also be helpful in reducing OCD symptoms by helping to divert the patient's attention from the obsessive-compulsive thoughts and behaviors and promoting feelings of calm and relaxation.

Forecast:

The overall prognosis for patients with OCD is good, especially if treatment is started early. With a combination of medication and psychotherapeutic treatments, the symptoms can be significantly reduced. However, it is important to note that complete healing is rare and long-term treatment may be required to keep symptoms under control.

Read more about the causes, course and treatment here.