Do you often have this problem: repeatedly checking the doors, windows, and gas before going out, resulting in being late or unable to go out at all? Or can’t stand a little bit of mess and always have to put things in order and wash hands/mop the floor constantly? Or constantly checking the bills that have been calculated and the exam papers that have been written? If you find yourself repeatedly doing things that are meaningless, a waste of time, or even cause trouble, then you may be suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder!
What kind of disease is obsessive-compulsive disorder?
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental illness characterized by recurring unwanted thoughts, impulses, or feelings (obsessions) and stereotyped behaviors (compulsions) performed to get rid of these thoughts. For example, washing hands, checking items or cleaning repeatedly. These behaviors can significantly interfere with a person’s daily life and social functioning.
The English abbreviation of obsessive-compulsive disorder is OCD (Obsessive-compulsive Disorder). It is a type of anxiety disorder and a common psychological problem in modern society. Some people even liken it to ‘mental cancer’ because it can cause huge harm to patients. Pain and anxiety can even affect the quality of life!
According to statistics, the incidence rate of obsessive-compulsive disorder is about 2 to 3%. It mostly occurs in teenagers and early adulthood (before the age of 25). It is often accompanied by other psychological problems such as anxiety disorder, depression, and panic disorder, and may last a lifetime.
What are the common symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder?
The symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder can be divided into two categories: ‘obsessive thoughts’ and ‘compulsive behaviors.’ ‘Obsessive thoughts’ include obsessive associations, fear of dirty things, repeated doubts/memories, oppositional thoughts, worries about the body, impulses and sexual issues. For example, you always think that you will get a certain disease, harm yourself or others, do immoral things, etc. ‘Compulsive behavior’ refers to repeated stereotyped behaviors, most of which are involuntary. For example, repeated checking, forced washing, forced counting, ritualization of actions, etc. For example, you should check whether the doors and windows are locked multiple times before going out, wash your hands every time you touch something, count the steps every time you walk, and follow a fixed order every time you do things.
The symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder have the following characteristics:
- It is the patient’s own thoughts or impulses, not those imposed by outsiders.
- The patient knows that these thoughts or impulses are irrational, but is unable to control or resist them.
- The patient feels that these thoughts or impulses are unpleasant or even frightening, but will produce great anxiety if not acted upon.
- The patient spends more than an hour a day thinking about these thoughts or urges for more than two weeks.
How to diagnose and treat obsessive-compulsive disorder?
The diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder mainly relies on medical history, mental examination and necessary auxiliary examinations to exclude other diseases that may cause obsessive-compulsive symptoms, such as organic mental disorders, schizophrenia, depression, anxiety disorders, etc. At the same time, you can also refer to some professional scales for self-assessment, such as the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Symptoms Rating Scale (Y-BOCS).
The treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder mainly includes three methods: psychological therapy, drug therapy and physical therapy. Among them, psychotherapy is one of the most effective treatment methods, including cognitive behavioral therapy, psychoanalytic therapy, supportive psychotherapy and Morita therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps patients reduce anxiety and pain and improve their quality of life by changing their misconceptions and irrational behaviors. Drug treatment mainly uses antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs to regulate neurotransmitters in the brain, such as 5-hydroxytryptamine, dopamine, etc., to improve obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Physical therapy is mainly used for some patients with refractory or severe obsessive-compulsive disorder, using methods such as modified electroconvulsive therapy (MECT) or transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to stimulate specific areas in the brain and regulate neural activity.
The goal of treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder is not to eliminate symptoms, but to enable patients to accept and manage their symptoms, reduce the impact on life and work, and improve life satisfaction. Therefore, patients need to have patience and confidence, actively cooperate with treatment, and also pay attention to maintaining good living habits, such as regular work and rest, appropriate exercise, relaxation, and increased social interaction, to promote recovery.
What are the prevention and self-help methods for obsessive-compulsive disorder?
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a disease that can be prevented and controlled. If it can be detected and treated in time, the occurrence and worsening of symptoms can be effectively reduced. Here are some ways to prevent and help yourself:
- Enhance self-awareness and self-regulation skills. Understand the characteristics and causes of your own obsessive-compulsive symptoms, recognize that they are irrational and useless, do not pay too much attention and worry, and do not forcefully suppress or escape, but try to accept and tolerate them, and gradually reduce your reaction to and dependence on them. .
- Establish correct thinking and behavioral habits. Avoid excessive perfectionism and sense of responsibility, learn to relax and compromise, don’t put too much pressure and demands on yourself, and don’t rely too much on others’ evaluation and recognition. Instead, build confidence and self-esteem, cultivate your own interests and hobbies, and find life. fun and meaning.
- Increase positive emotions and social support. Maintain a positive and optimistic attitude, regulate your emotions, avoid excessive anxiety, depression, fear and other negative emotions, seek appropriate psychological guidance and consultation, and participate in some beneficial psychological training and activities, such as meditation, breathing exercises, relaxation training, etc. . At the same time, you should also communicate and share more with family, friends, colleagues and other close people, seek their understanding and help, and enhance your sense of social belonging and security.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle and physical condition. Pay attention to a balanced and nutritious diet, avoid excessive caffeine, alcohol, tobacco and other irritating substances, and eat more foods rich in vitamin B, magnesium, zinc, etc. that can help stabilize the nervous system, such as whole grains, nuts, and green leaves. Vegetables etc. At the same time, you should also maintain appropriate exercise, such as walking, running, swimming, etc., to enhance physical fitness and immunity, promote blood circulation and metabolism, release endorphins and other beneficial hormones, and relieve tension and stress. In addition, you should also pay attention to the quality and quantity of sleep, maintain a regular schedule, avoid excessive late nights and lack of sleep, and give your brain enough rest and recovery.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a disease that can be overcome. As long as you have enough willpower and confidence, along with professional treatment and guidance, as well as appropriate self-help and prevention, you can gradually get rid of the troubles of obsessive-compulsive disorder and regain a free and happy life. !
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