You can define obsessive-compulsive disorder as a pattern or series of unwanted thoughts and fears known as obsessions. Individuals who are affected with OCD are prompted to do repetitive behaviours, known as compulsions. These obsessions and compulsions become a hindrance in day-to-day activities and cause significant distress.
OCD stems from genetic and hereditary factors. It affects individuals in a way that takes a great deal of their time, reduces their quality of life, and hampers daily activities. It is a lifelong disease, and the symptoms can emerge and recede over time. OCD is caused because of chemical, structural, and functional abnormalities in the brain. OCD has a significant impact on the health of an individual and affects them financially as well.
What Causes OCD?
No specific reasons are yet known for the causes of OCD. Several theories have been derived that are linked with the causes of OCD.
Genetic causes:
These causes are the ones that run in the family. According to studies, such individuals function with characteristic differences. The genes in the brain that affect the reaction of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin might be responsible for the development of the disorder.Autoimmune-related causes
Experts suspect a correlation between different autoimmune disorders and OCD; research work is ongoing.
- OCD in children: The symptoms of OCD in children usually occur after an infection caused by group A streptococcus, such as strep throat, Lyme disease, or the H1N1 influenza virus.
- Healthcare professionals refer to the sudden onset of OCD in children as paediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS).
- Children with PANS experience sudden symptoms of OCD that become severe in 24 to 72 hours. The symptoms may subside but can recur anytime in the future.
Behavioural changes
According to a study, people affected with OCD reject objects or circumstances associated with fear. The fear may be associated with significant loss, an intense period of stress, or a traumatised event. This avoidance is in such a disturbing manner that it is characterised as OCDCognitive causes
These are outcomes of misinterpretation of thoughts by individuals, especially those under stress. This could be in the form of giving excessive importance to intrusive thoughts, which are otherwise general but become problematic for those with OCD.
People with OCD believe the fear that manifests in their thoughts is true and will likely occur. To avoid this, they take excessive measures to prevent the threat or risk.
Environmental causes
We have discussed how stressful and fearful events in an individual's life can cause OCD to develop. Some such events include severe illness, brain injury, complications during pregnancy, childbirth, etc.
Conclusion
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a mental health condition that requires expert intervention as soon as possible. Seeking timely medical care and assistance may help decrease the symptoms. The treatment offers plans that can help you manage your obsessions and compulsions. Apart from seeking medical care, getting quality sleep, exercising regularly, eating healthy foods, spending time with loved ones, and practising yoga and meditation can prove very beneficial.
There is no dearth of physical or psychological issues that can challenge at some point in their lives. Hence, to remain protected from such problems, especially regarding finances, buying a sound health insurance policy is essential and a wise decision.