Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental disorder that involves involuntary, repetitive and disturbing thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) that a person performs to reduce the anxiety caused by these thoughts. OCD can significantly affect a person's daily life and reduce their quality of life.

Who Has OCD Most Often Seen in?

OCD can occur in any age group, but its incidence is higher in some groups:

• Gender Differences: While they start more often in men during childhood, they are observed at similar rates in women and men in adulthood.
• Family History: The risk increases in people with OCD or other anxiety disorders in their family.
• Traumatic Experiences: The risk of developing OCD is high in individuals who have experienced traumatic events during childhood.
• Stressful and Busy Lifestyle: It is more common, especially in individuals who are perfectionists and have an excessive sense of responsibility.

What is the Age of Onset of OCD?

• Average Age of Onset: OCD usually begins in childhood, adolescence, or young adulthood. In most people, symptoms appear between the ages of 18 and 25 Dec.
• In men: Symptoms usually tend to start earlier, in childhood (6-15 years old).
• In women: It usually begins in adolescence or early adulthood (in the 20s).
• Late Onset: The onset of OCD after the age of 35 is rarer, but possible.

 What are the Symptoms of OCD?

Obsessive Symptoms

Obsessions are defined as thoughts, impulses, or images that are repetitive, disturbing, and difficult to control in an individual's mind. The common types of obsessions and their symptoms are:

• Obsessions of Contagion and Cleanliness: Excessive fear of germs, dirt or disease transmission. For example, do not believe that you will get a serious illness by touching a surface.
• Aggression and Harm Obsessions: The thought of harming oneself or loved ones. For example, don't be afraid that you will unintentionally hurt someone when you see a knife.
• Religious Obsessions (Religious OCD): Recurrence of thoughts contrary to sacred values or religious beliefs. For example, don't be afraid of constantly swearing or having thoughts that will harm your faith.
• Symmetry and Order Obsessions: Don't want things to be in a certain order and symmetrical. For example, feeling intense discomfort when the items on the table do not stand symmetrically.
• Sexual Obsessions: Frequent occurrence of inappropriate or disturbing sexual thoughts. For example, the involuntary occurrence of sexually explicit thoughts about unsuitable people.

Compulsive Symptoms:

Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental actions performed to reduce the anxiety caused by obsessions. These behaviors are usually aimed at preventing an unrealistically feared situation.

• Compulsions of Cleaning and Washing: Washing hands repeatedly, constantly cleaning the house.
• Compulsions to check: Repeatedly checking whether the doors are locked, the January is closed.
• Repetition and Counting Compulsions: Doing certain words or actions a certain number of times. For example, feeling the need to touch the door handle five times before opening the door.
• Arrangement Compulsions: Repeatedly placing items in a certain order or order.
• Ceremonial Behaviors: Do not believe that something bad will happen if he does not repeat certain routines. For example, do not believe that a relative will be harmed if he does not pray in a certain order.

Cognitive and Emotional Symptoms

OCD is not limited to behavioral symptoms, but also shows cognitive and emotional symptoms:

• A Feeling of Extreme Responsibility: The idea that everything should be under control.
• The Need for Certainty: Constantly seeking Decertification and reassurance (for example, “I closed the door, didn't I? don't ask questions like ").
• Intense Anxiety and Restlessness: Increased anxiety, especially when they are unable to perform compulsions.
• Perfectionism: Do not believe that everything should be perfect and faultless.

 

How Do OCD Symptoms Affect Daily Life?

The symptoms of OCD can seriously reduce a person's quality of life. For example:

• Difficulties in Relationships: Don't spend time on compulsions instead of spending time with loved ones.
• Work or School Performance: Inability to collect attention and perform tasks on time.
  Avoidance of social environments: Avoiding social environments due to the effort to hide compulsive behaviors.
  Personal Care and Health: Skin irritations or different health problems due to cleaning obsessions.

Treatment Methods

If these symptoms reduce a person's quality of life and interfere with their daily functioning, it is important to consult a psychiatric specialist. The most effective methods in the treatment of OCD:

• Psychotherapy : Some behavioral techniques, cognitive interventions are quite effective in reducing OCD symptoms.
• Drug Treatment
• Support Groups and Psychoeducation: Can provide support to both the individual and families.

OCD is a disorder that significantly affects a person's life, but can become chronic if left untreated. With early diagnosis and appropriate treatment methods, OCD symptoms can be controlled and a person's quality of life can be improved. Especially noticing the symptoms that start at an early age and getting professional support increases the success of treatment. If you are observing OCD symptoms on yourself or near you, it is important to consult a psychiatric specialist at an early stage.