14 Things You Need To Know About OCD

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OCD, also known as Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, is an anxiety disorder, in which a person has repeated thoughts or an uncontrollable behaviour about the things the person feels to do over and over again.

These constant thoughts or images in the mind of a person are always occurring to worry the person more. In this case, he or she feels scared throughout anything he/she takes up and it constantly disturbs the state of mind.

5 Signs That You Have OCD

According to the experts, the average age when people are diagnosed is about 19 years.

The common symptoms of OCD include a person having an urge to arrange things in a specific order, he/she suffering from OCD may have fear of germs or contamination and he/she might suffer from a compulsive disorder, wherein he/she would have an uncontrollable urge to check on things.

Compulsions are nothing but the repetitive behavioural responses that a person feels the urge to do over a repeated number of times. These people do not have a control over their thoughts, which seem to disturb them in their daily life.

So, here are some of the facts about OCD, have a look:

More Common In Developed Countries:

OCD is a more common occurrence in developed countries than developing ones.

Affects Children And Elders Alike:

OCD can affect adults and children alike, but the only difference is that children might not realise the reason behind their behaviour.

It Is Treatable:

The good thing about OCD is that it can be treated, and the people suffering from it have lived a healthy life after the treatment.

Triggers Of OCD:

OCD can be genetic, in other cases stressful life events or the changes in life events such as birth of a baby, a new job, a new responsibility or puberty can be the main causes behind it.

Treatment Of OCD:

Cases of OCD can be treated with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and medication. This medication reduces the symptoms to such an extent to make the life more liveable for the patient.

Most Patients Are Embarrassed To Ask For Help:

People suffering from OCD often believe that they are the only ones who suffer from OCD, and hence are embarrassed or afraid to ask for help. That's why diagnosis is often delayed

Linked With Depression:

Depression can be a trigger for other illnesses such as OCD. People who suffer from OCD are often found depressed or anxious in their lives.

Not A Measure Of Self-control Or Willpower:

Contrary to what most people suffering from OCD think, OCD is not an indication of lack of willpower or self-control in stopping these thoughts and behaviours.

Affects Both Men And Women:

It is a myth that OCD affects a particular gender. Both men and women have equal chances of getting affected with OCD.

It Is A Psychiatric Illness:

OCD is acknowledged as a psychiatric illness by the experts across the globe.

Stress Can Be A Trigger:

It is very hard in today's time to keep stress levels in check, but it pays to do so. A stressful event is known to be responsible for OCD.

Known To Affect 2.5 Percent Of People:

OCD is known to affect 2.5 percent of the people at some point in their lifetime.

Not Easily Detectable By Common Medical Tests:

An interesting fact about OCD is that it cannot be diagnosed by an X-ray or a blood test. There are no diagnostic tests as such to determine if the person is suffering from OCD.

Anybody Can Be A Victim Of It:

It can affect anyone. Anyone belonging to any age group can be affected with the symptoms of OCD.