Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Symptoms, Causes, and Diagnosis

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterized by persistent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) aimed at reducing anxiety caused by these thoughts.

What Are Obsessions and Compulsions?

Obsessions: These are intrusive and distressing thoughts, images, or urges that repeatedly enter the mind. Common obsessions might include fears of contamination, harming others, or fears of making a mistake.
Compulsions: To reduce the anxiety caused by these obsessions, individuals with OCD may feel compelled to perform certain behaviors or mental acts. It include washing hands repeatedly, checking locks, counting, or keep an eye over arranging the things at a perfect order.

Causes and Risk Factors

Biological Factors: Brain imaging studies have suggested that individuals with OCD may have abnormalities in the brain’s circuits involving serotonin, a neurotransmitter that plays a role in regulating mood and anxiety.
Genetic Factors: There is some evidence that OCD can run in families, suggesting a genetic component. Having a first-degree relative with OCD may increase an individual’s risk of developing the disorder.
Environmental Factors: Stressful life events, trauma, or childhood abuse can also trigger the onset of OCD

Let’s talk about the symptoms- It may vary from person to person, but common signs include:

Obsessions: Fears of contamination, fears of causing harm to oneself or others, intrusive violent or sexual thoughts, fears of making mistakes or forgetting something important.
Compulsions: Hand-washing, excessive cleaning, checking locks, arranging things in a precise way, repeating actions or phrases, counting, or mentally praying.

Diagnosis– The OCD is diagnosed through a clinical interview with a mental health professional who will assess the severity of symptoms and their impact on daily functioning.