Obsessive-compulsive is not always as extreme as it is portrayed in the movie The Aviator. Leonardo DiCaprio plays Howard Hughes – a hugely successful businessman and aviator in the early 20th century. In the film, Hughes’s obsessions and compulsions consume him entirely. For many people who have obsessive-compulsive , that is precisely how they feel. For others, the effect of the symptoms are perhaps less conspicuous, but not necessarily with less of an impact on their daily life.
What is
Obsessive-compulsive is an where people experience repetitive thoughts that they are unable to stop. These uncontrollable thoughts lead to the person becoming more and more anxious. In order to control these thoughts, these people engage in with the aim of alleviating the that is caused by the thoughts or obsessions.
While most people experience repetitive thoughts, these thoughts do not consistently create for the person. Furthermore, these thoughts do not disrupt the individual’s daily life. That is where the distinction between nagging thoughts and obsessive thoughts lay.
What exactly are obsessions and compulsions
Obsessions are thoughts, impulses, or ideas that keep coming up. These thoughts, impulses, or ideas keep repeating and cause . Examples of obsessions could include a fear of germs or getting dirty, aggressive, or angry thoughts towards self for others, or the need to have everything in perfect order or to be symmetrical.
Compulsions or behaviors that a person participate in to seek some relief from their obsessive thoughts can also be referred to as impulses. Examples of this could include excessive cleaning or handwashing, arranging and rearranging things in an exact manner, compulsive counting, and repeatedly checking on things like whether they have turned the stove off or locked the door.
While most people engage in these actions from time to time, people with struggle to control their thoughts and behaviors relating to the obsessions and compulsions. They spend at least one hour a day on these thoughts or behaviors and engage in these thoughts and behaviors in order to find relief from , rather than doing it for pleasure. These actions often create significant problems in their daily life and infringe on activities that the person would otherwise find enjoyable.
What are the signs and symptoms of
Therapists, practitioners, and medical practitioners use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Disorders to diagnose disorders or conditions. The most recent edition of this manual is the 5th edition (DSM-V), published in 2013.
The DSM-V lists the diagnostic criteria for obsessive-compulsive . The requirements include the presence of obsessions, compulsions, or both.
Obsessions are defined as repetitive thoughts, urges, or images that cause or . These thoughts, urges, or images are unwanted and invasive. Individuals with these obsessions attempt to ignore, suppress, or replace them with different thoughts or actions.
Compulsions are defined as repetitive behaviors or that one feels obligated to do as a response to an obsession, or because of strict rules. These behaviors are meant to alleviate or or to prevent a feared event or situation. The compulsions are either not a realistic way to deal with or , or these actions are done in excess.
The DSM-V states two specific conditions for diagnosing . The obsessions or compulsions, or both take up more than an hour a day, or it causes significant or impairment for the person with . The symptoms should not be better explained by any other , medical condition, or the use of a substance.
What are the four types of
fall into four types . These types include contamination and washing, thoughts about accidental harm and consistent checking (of self and others), the need for symmetry, counting and arranging, and unacceptable or taboo thoughts and mental rituals.
What causes and who is at risk of developing
It is not clear what causes obsessive-compulsive ; however, several risk factors could lead to the development of . Genetics play a role in the development of ; this means that individuals are at a higher risk of developing the disease if someone in their close family already has it. A higher risk of developing is also associated with childhood physical or sexual abuse or other traumatic events.
In some cases, a condition called pediatric autoimmune Nero psychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections could lead to the development worsening of .
is often diagnosed before age 19 older it is possible to diagnose it later on in life. Obsessive-compulsive is often diagnosed at a younger age in boys than in girls.
Treatments and therapies for
for obsessive-compulsive includes psychotherapy and . Cognitive- is especially helpful in the of .
A subdivision of this method, called exposure and , focuses on exposure to thoughts, things, or situations that produce or lead to obsessions and compulsions. Through this exposure, the individual learns not to involve or make use of compulsions as a response.
Interactive such as EMDR, DNMS, and BWRT have also been shown to reduce and .
Medications like selective () and selective are also used to treat obsessive-compulsive . with can take up to 12 weeks to show signs of improvement.
What are related conditions of
People who have obsessive-compulsive might also experience related disorders. These can include , , , major depressive or , , trichotillomania ( to pull our body hair), and excoriation (continuously picking at one’s skin).
While obsessive-compulsive could strongly influence and affect a person’s daily life, some treatments could help with alleviating the symptoms. A combination of psychotherapy, especially exposure and , along with the use of medications, could assist in reducing the symptoms that are being experienced. could co-occur with other disorders, and other orders should be eliminated before a diagnosis of can be made.
OCPD
is a defined by the strict adherence to general orderliness and control. Those who suffer from OCPD may be described as a “control freak”, a “perfectionist”, and terms that reflect an inflexible state of being.
OCPD differs from in that is characterized by the presence of specific obsessions or compulsions, rather than generalized . An recognizes the disruption that the causes in their life. Someone who suffers from doesn’t generally see their as a problem, and rarely seeks professional .