From hair pulling to hoarding disorder: Know different types of obsession-compulsive disorders people suffer from
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is a chronic psychiatric condition marked by recurrent obsessions and compulsions. Individuals recognize their thoughts and behaviors as unreasonable but feel driven to perform them to reduce anxiety. Common forms include contamination, checking, and symmetry obsessions. Treatment includes behavioral therapy and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors to alleviate symptoms.
Long-term psychiatric condition Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a long-term psychiatric condition that involves recurrent obsessions and compulsions. These may gradually become distressing and time-consuming, and often begin to affect and interfere with daily activities of the affected person. However, it is not like the person is unaware of their condition, (like in schizophrenia). They recognise such thoughts and behaviours to be unreasonable and excessive, but they feel the need to perform those acts of compulsions to reduce anxiety, or to prevent perceived harm. (Picture Credit: Canva)
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Nature of obsessions explained Obsessions are thoughts that become recurrent and are persistent. Such thoughts are also intrusive, and can occur in the form of impulses or images. An individual with OCD usually recognises these thoughts to be their own, but they try to neutralise them with compulsive actions. (Picture Credit: Canva)
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Definition of compulsions Compulsions are repetitive behaviours that are performed to temporarily relieve the anxiety caused by obsessions. Such behaviour can occur in the form of hand-washing, checking doors and locks, counting, and silent repetition of words in their head. (Picture Credit: Canva)
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Pathological doubt disorder Pathological doubt is the second most common pattern of obsessions, and it is relieved by checking. Many a times, a person with obsessive-compulsive disorder may find it difficult to leave the house without checking all the locks multiple times. Once they’ve left, they may feel pathological doubt creeping up again. (Picture Credit: Canva)
Symmetry and order obsession The obsession with symmetry and order develops from a need for precision, and this can cause excessive slowness of daily activities. A person with OCD may spend hours trying to complete a meal, or even shave their face, as symmetry in each activity becomes paramount. (Picture Credit: Canva)
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Hoarding disorder There are some disorders that occur along with obsessions and compulsions. Hoarding disorder leads the affected person to collect objects that do not have significant value, thus causing excessive clutter in their homes. Compulsive hoarding can be disabling as well. (Picture Credit: Canva)
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Contamination OCD While there are many types of obsessions, the most common one is the obsession of contamination, which is followed by washing. The object the affected person fears, like feces, urine or germs, is usually difficult to avoid. As a result of constant hand washing, the person may develop anxiety. (Picture Credit: Canva)
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Trichotillomania or hair-pulling disorder Trichotillomania, also referred to as the hair-pulling disorder, that causes variable hair loss. The pulling out of hair is not for cosmetic reasons, but because the affected person has the irresistible urge to pull hair, especially during situations that can make them anxious.
Treatment and therapeutic approaches Pharmacotherapy and behavioural therapy both are recommended for the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder. Selective serotonin regulates inhibitors, which increase the levels of serotonin (commonly called the happy hormone), can aid in relieving symptoms. Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis. (Picture Credit: Canva)
Rajeshwaari Kalla is a freelance health and wellness writer
