Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Repetitive Actions to Relieve

     Checking door locks multiple times a day, washing hands dozens of times until the skin becomes damaged, or repeatedly verifying tasks out of fear of making a mistake—these are all behaviors rooted in anxiety and fear. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) can affect anyone. So, how can we ease these persistent anxieties? Today, I would like to share some thoughts with readers.

Understanding Anxiety Disorders

     Anxiety is a condition that encompasses a wide range of emotions—including stress, irritability, fear, and hopelessness, as a psychological response to perceived threats or dangers. When these emotions become excessive, they can develop into anxiety disorders. Different individuals exhibit varying physical and emotional reactions, resulting in several types of anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and specific phobias.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

     Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterized by intrusive, persistent thoughts (obsessions) that cause anxiety, and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) performed to relieve that anxiety. Many individuals find themselves trapped in cycles of repetitive thinking and behavior, as though programmed to respond in certain ways, even when they are fully aware they have already performed the task.

Contributing Factors

• Genetic predisposition
• Substance abuse
• Chronic stress leading to fear-based responses
• Dysfunction in the frontal lobe, which affects thought processing, emotions, perception, and decision-making
• Neurotransmitter imbalances
• Co-occurring disorders such as depression

Recognizable Characteristics

The phrase “a crisis can begin with a small detail” reflects the intense anxiety experienced by those with OCD. This condition often manifests in early childhood and can be observed through various behaviors:

• Repeating specific actions due to irrational fears
• Excessive checking out of fear that something might go wrong
• Obsession with symmetry or order, leading to compulsive organization
• Intrusive, distressing thoughts triggered by certain stimuli

Even persistent obsessive thinking, without any visible action, constitutes a psychological disturbance.

OCD Is Not the Same as Dementia

     Self-awareness is a key distinguishing factor between OCD and dementia. For example, repeatedly asking the same question is common in both disorders. However, patients with dementia typically do so without realizing they’ve already asked, whereas individuals with OCD are driven by underlying anxiety and are aware of their repetitive actions or thoughts.

Treatment

Diagnosis begins with a thorough medical and psychological history, followed by clinical observation. Psychological assessments may be used to confirm the diagnosis and guide treatment. Common approaches include:

• Medication to regulate brain chemistry
• Psychotherapy, particularly Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), helps patients gradually change their thought patterns and manage their anxiety in healthier ways

Psychiatrists Are Here to Support Your Mental Well-being

     The world is filled with mysteries waiting to be solved. Sometimes, problems are puzzles seeking resolution. Searching for a missing key may not always yield results, but deeply understanding the problem and crafting a key that fits may be the true solution.