Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

In obsessive compulsive disorder, or OCD, a person is bothered by intrusive thoughts and distressing (obsessions) and feel a compelling need to perform repetitive behaviors (compulsions).
Neuroscientists believe that the brain pathways involved in reasoning, planning and body movements are altered in obsessive compulsive disorder. Environmental influences, such as family relationships or events that cause stress can trigger or worsen the symptoms of this disease.
It is estimated that obsessive compulsive disorder affecting lifelong 2-3% of people in Europe and the United States. About two-thirds of people with obsessive compulsive disorder have the first symptoms before the age of 25. Only 15% develop the first symptoms after age 35. There is strong evidence that the disease has a genetic basis (hereditary) since about 35% of patients with OCD have a close family member who suffers from the same problem. Although 50-70% of patients develop this disorder for the first time after a life event that causes stress? such as pregnancy, job loss or death of a family member? experts still do not understand exactly how stress triggers the symptoms of this disease.
Sometimes people with an obsessive compulsive disorder control their obsessions without giving any outward sign that they are suffering. However, in general, attempt to relieve the obsessions performing one type of compulsion: a ritual repeated aimed calm their fears. For example, a woman who has an obsession with hands that are dirty may develop a compulsion to wash them 50 times a day. A man who fears that the door is unlocked from home may feel compelled to check the lock 10 to 20 times each night.

Treatment
The most effective treatment for obsessive compulsive disorder is the combination of psychotherapy and drug therapy.
The physician may also provide treatment for other conditions that may be contributing to the problem, such as a medical problem or a depression. It may be necessary to try more than one approach before identifying one that is suitable for the person concerned.
Antidepressant Medications
Some antidepressants are effective in obsessive compulsive disorder. Selective inhibitors of serotonin reuptake (SSRI / SSRISs) such as fluvoxamine, fluoxetine, sertraline, paroxetine and citalopram / escitalopram are often used.
In addition, tricyclic antidepressants may be effective, and clomipramine most often used for this disturbance. While this drug may be slightly more effective than the SSRIs in the treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder, sometimes presents side effects which are more difficult to tolerate. However, it is a good option if other medicines are not effective.
Psychotherapy
Several techniques of psychotherapy can be useful, depending on the preference of the person and the events that may have triggered the problem, as well as the availability of family support or other social support.
It is important for a person who suffers from an obsessive compulsive disorder be educated about the disease and have support from friends, family or support groups.
The cognitive-behavioral therapy aims to help the person recognize the lack of reasonableness of obsessive thoughts. The therapist sometimes teaches specialized techniques that can help extinguish the compulsions. Here are some examples:
• Exposure and response prevention? the person is exposed to situations that cause obsessive thoughts and then is prevented from performing the usual compulsive rituals. For example, you may be asked to touch a shoe person "dirty" and then is told to wait before washing their hands. The person will practice this behavior daily, gradually increasing the time you have to wait, and record in a journal their efforts.
• Reversal of habit? request is the person who uses a different answer instead of usual obsessive ritual, such as deep breathing or close fists.
• Interruption of thought - the person uses a form of distraction occurs whenever an obsessive thought. A common method is to say the word "Stop" and make snap a rubber band that is used in the handle.
• Saturation - the person focuses intensely on this obsessive thought to lose their impact and become meaningless.
Psychodynamic psychotherapy, insight-oriented or interpersonal person can help clarify conflicts in important relationships or explore the history underlying the symptoms, although the insight itself has no impact on the likely severe symptoms.
Family therapy and the therapy group have also been used successfully to treat some people with an obsessive compulsive disorder. Since this disease can be very disruptive to family life, family therapy is often recommended.

Prevention
There is no way of preventing obsessive compulsive disorder, but the negative effects can be limited if the disease is detected and treated early.