Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) affects many people. Most probably we do not know that people with OCD suffer from it, and they might not even know that they have it too. They repeat certain habits or activities so many times, mostly because of the need to be perfect or because of fear.
How does someone have OCD? Genetics is one of the factor, some experts say. If a person has it, it is likely that his or her child or other immediate family members have it too, even though not in the same strain. For example, a person who has an OCD of fear of germs without explainable reasons, one of his or her member of family might not necessarily have the same fear but suffer other form of OCD, for instance the need to have things in a particular order all the time.
Firstly, OCD is about unexplained obsessions. Obsessions can be defined as thoughts or ideas repeatedly running through a person’s mind. Even though one might be aware of possessing bizarre habits and fears, one does not have the power to control and get rid of it. Some OCD sufferers might experience ‘obsessions’ once in a while, whilst others every second.
Secondly, OCD is about compulsions. Compulsions is defined as actions or behaviours one assumes to overcome the anxieties and fears of obsessions. Usually, these compulsions are based on certain predetermined rules, which then must be obeyed with extreme precisions and accuracies. Someone with OCD has high attention to details, particularly during an ‘attack’.
An OCD sufferer who is fear of germs would think that germs are all around, feeling the need to get rid of them all the time. Hence, he or she might wash hands or clean up repeatedly. This obsession takes over the mind again and again, triggering the compulsion to take repeated actions. He or she believed that carrying out the compulsions would relieve the anxieties caused by the obsessions, only to realise that it is just for a short time, as after a while the obsession resumes and often gets worse.
OCD occurs more than we actually thought. Some people take it lightly, assuming that it would just go away as time passes. Some even find it laughable, the bizarre behaviours and repetitions do appear funny sometimes. Everyone should realise, however, that OCD is indeed serious and needs to be addressed and treated straight away.
Medications such as drugs are often given to help control the thought processes of OCD sufferers. This, however, is a short time solution and can cause side effects. Sufferers often resumes to the old habits and obsessions after just a short while. Another more effective treatment used is through cognitive behavioural therapy. The OCD sufferers are managed, trained and compelled to take their own decisions to overcome the disorder. Although takes longer, it is known to be more effective.
OCD is very tricky, often not very visible or obvious until it becomes serious. Once this happens, people often end up locking themselves at home as it begins to affect their work and social lives, thus causing embarrassments. On the other hand, even though public awareness of OCD is important, at least it is not harmful enough to kill us. It can still be cured, and at the end of the day, that is what matters the most.