Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a mental health condition that impacts people in a way that they have fearful thoughts and images in their minds. These illusions force them to perform repetitive actions. For example, the fear of falling ill caused by touching dirty things prompts them to wash their hands frequently, etc. These behaviours interfere with daily activities causing stress and discomfort.
OCD is a condition requiring medical care and assistance throughout.
How is OCD diagnosed?
Regarding the diagnosis of OCD, no one test works out. Diagnosis depends on the assessment of the individual by his healthcare provider. The assessment is based on the persons behaviour, thoughts feelings, and emotions.
OCD can affect anyone and individuals with this condition start to show symptoms in childhood or adolescence. The symptoms include fear of making a mistake, the need to be perfect in everything they do, or the fear of causing harm to themselves or others, etc. Compulsions include washing hands frequently, checking things time and again, and arranging things in a specific manner.
For a behaviour, pattern, feeling or emotion to be diagnosed as OCD, they must be:
- Taking a lot of time; approximately more than an hour a day.
- Should be recognised as excessive and unreasonable.
- Should be likely to cause significant distress.
- Should have the potential of interfering with normal life, relationships, and day-to-day activities.
- Should not be caused by substance, alcohol, or medicine indulgence.
- Unexplained by any mental health condition, such as anxiety, depression, eating disorder, or body image disorder.
It is important to mention that OCD involves fearful thoughts, obsessions, or compulsions that are time-consuming and take at least one hour of the day. They are capable of causing significant loss or distress, and hamper work and social functioning and relationships.
Diagnosis of OCD can be challenging because symptoms can be similar to anxiety disorders, depression, schizophrenia, or other mental health disorders. It is also possible to have OCD and other mental health disorders simultaneously. Moreover, diagnosis can sometimes take a little longer to be determined as OCD. Starting the assessment process in this direction is a positive and a good sign towards a healthy recovery.
Conclusion
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a mental health condition affecting people worldwide and causes a lot of distress. The diagnosis of OCD involves an assessment of a person's behaviour with the therapist, and sometimes through repeat sessions. It can be challenging because the symptoms relate to several other mental health conditions. Doctors advise individuals suspected of OCD to seek immediate medical care to treat the symptoms. Another crucial aspect is to purchase health insurance and remain safe and protected if and when medical emergencies pose huge challenges.