Obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental disorder in which a person feels the need to perform certain routines repeatedly (called “compulsions“), or has certain thoughts repeatedly (called “obsessions“). The person is unable to control either the thoughts or activities for more than a short period of time.
In order to cope with the obsessions, people with OCD engage in repeated behaviors or thoughts, known as compulsions, to make themselves feel safer.
What is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?
It is a type of neurotic illness in which the patient gets repeated unwanted thoughts inspite of the fact that he knows that those thoughts are senseless and tries to resist those. They are often accompanied by compulsive actions. For example getting repeated thoughts that ones body are contaminated and as a result repeatedly washing.
My wife has OCD. She takes ages to get ready. Is this also a symptom of OCD?
Often patient with OCD takes long to get things done. There could be several reasons. Often it is because of the doubts whether a task has been completed well. Patient does not satisfy and starts the task all over again. Obsessional slowness is a recognized symptom of OCD. Strong wish to complete a task in certain rigid sequence often delays the completion. Treatment of OCD can help dealing with this symptom. Patients are aware of their slowness and they often adjust their life accordingly e.g. they start their day much earlier than others.
Is OCD treatable
Yes. OCD respond to treatment with medicines and behavioural therapy.
Do medicines and behavioural therapy both are more effective than just one of those.
Yes they both compliment each other.
What medicines are used to treat OCD?
There is research evidence that some of the antidepressants are good anti- obsessionals. Selective Serotonin Reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) and clomipramine are good anti-obsessional medications.
Diazepam used to help me to get over the anxiety due to OCD. This now does not help anymore. What should I do?
Diazepam and related drugs (Benzodiazepine Class) are used to relieve acute anxiety and are normally not used in long term. They lose their effect if used for longer period of time. They do not have specific anti-obsessional effect. If you are taking Diazepam over long period of time you should not stop it suddenly. You should make appointment with psychiatrist to review your treatment.
My sister has chronic OCD. Recently she has become worse. She isolates herself, does not take interest in anything and I think she may have lost weight. What could be the reason?
There is a possibility that your sister has become depressed. Patients with OCD can develop depression characterized by worsening of obsessional symptoms, low mood, loss of interest, decreased appetite and loss of weight. She should see a doctor for assessment and treatment as soon as possible.
In OCD do you lose touch with reality?
Usually you do not lose touch with reality? This is a neurotic illness. Loss of touch with reality is a feature of psychotic illness. However in very severe OCD occasionally some psychotic symptoms can appear.
