top of page

Obsessive compulsive disorder

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (obsession-compulsive disorder), in which the person experiences intense anxiety due to recurring and disturbing thoughts, images and impulses (obsession) that come to mind against his/her own will and cannot stop himself from doing some mental actions or behaviors to get rid of this distress (compulsion). It is a disease. It is also popularly defined as 'Obsession disease'.


Studies aiming to measure the frequency of OCD in society have found that the disease is seen in 2-3 out of every 100 people. Although the incidence rate is slightly higher in women, it is close to that in men. In 65% of patients, symptoms begin before the age of 25.


Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a chronic disorder that has long-lasting episodes of discomfort, is unlikely to resolve spontaneously, and progresses with increases and decreases if left untreated. Depending on the severity of the disease, they can cause serious disruptions in the person's daily life, social relationships, professional or other areas of functionality.


The most common obsessional themes and related compulsions are:


  • Pollution/Disease Contamination obsessions (there is the thought that if I touch the place touched by someone, I will be infected with germs or get dirty, I will spread it everywhere. Then, extreme distress and a feeling of anxiety occur and bathing rituals develop to relax.)

  • Doubt obsessions (repeated checking behaviors occur as a result of obsessions such as forgetting the iron in the socket, not turning off the stove, not locking the door.)

  • Aggression or harm obsessions (in which the patient is about to act sexually or aggressively towards someone.)

  • Symmetry obsessions (there are thoughts that everything should be orderly and symmetrical; this causes the person to waste excessive time with arrangements and not be able to finish things.)

  • In addition to these, religious obsessions are also frequently encountered; swearing while praying, thoughts that contradict their beliefs come to mind, etc. Or some OCD patients engage in counting behavior, thinking that if they do any activity without counting up to a certain number, they will not be successful.


Not every obsessive thought or behavior is obsessive-compulsive disorder, but if this condition affects the person's family life, social relationships, professional life and functionality, it would be appropriate to consult a psychiatrist and plan treatment.


In addition to drug treatment, many studies have shown that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is effective in Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy combined with the use of medication to reduce obsessions and anxiety in patients with high severity provides effective results. Compliance and continuity with the treatment increases the success rate of the treatment.


References: fransizlape

0 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

ความคิดเห็น


ปิดการแสดงความคิดเห็น
bottom of page