The etiology of obsessive-compulsive disorder remains incompletely defined. Key theories consist of:

• Biology. OCD could be caused by alterations in the natural constitution of the body or mental functions.
• Genetic component. Although OCD may have a genetic component, the identification of specific markers remains elusive.
• Process of learning. It is possible to acquire compulsive phobias and behaviors by observing family members or by gradually developing them.

Typically, obsessive-compulsive disorder is characterized by the presence of compulsive compulsions as well. However, it is also possible to experience obsession or compulsion symptoms exclusively. Your awareness of the irrationality of your obsessions and compulsions may be nonexistent. However, they significantly impede one's quality of life, consume a substantial amount of time, and disrupt daily routines and obligations.

Signs of obsession

OCD obsessions consist of persistent, undesirable thoughts, impulses, or images that are distressing or anxious and keep returning, as well as persistent distress or anxiety. You might attempt to disregard them or eliminate them through ritualistic behavior. Typically, these obsessions interfere with one's ability to concentrate or engage in other activities.

Common obsessional themes include:

• A fear of grime or contamination.
• Having difficulty coping with uncertainty and doubt.
• Desiring for things to be regulated and organized.
• Severe or horrifying ideation involving the potential loss of self-control or the endangering of others.
• Unwelcome notions, such as those concerning aggression, sexuality, or religion.

The following are instances of obsession symptoms:

• Apprehension regarding the risk of contamination through contact with objects that have been handled by others.
• There are concerns regarding the security of having secured the door or turned off the burner.
• Extreme anxiety when objects are disorganized or not facing a particular direction.
• Mental images of one's vehicle colliding with a multitude of individuals.
• Consideration of using profanity or behaving inappropriately in public.
• Sexually objectionable images.
• Avoiding situations that have the potential to induce obsessions, such as engaging in handshakes.

Compulsion manifestations

A person with OCD engages in repetitive actions that they feel compelled to perform. The purpose of these repetitive mental or behavioral acts is to alleviate anxiety associated with the obsessions or avert unfavorable events. However, engaging in the compulsions does not provide any gratification and may only provide modest alleviation from anxiety.

One may devise fictitious regulations or rituals to observe to exert control over their apprehension during episodes of preoccupation with harmful thoughts. These irrational compulsions frequently have nothing to do with the problem they are designed to resolve.

Similar to obsessions, compulsions frequently revolve around particular themes, including:

• Cleaning and laundering.
• Verification in process.
• Ordering and counting.
• Adhering to a rigorous regimen.
• In search of reassurance.

Such are some instances of compulsion symptoms:

• Washing by hand until the epidermis becomes sore.
• Performing repeated checks of doors to ensure that they are closed.
• Multiple times confirming that the furnace is turned off by inspecting it.
• Counting in specific configurations.
• Reciting a supplication, word, or phrase in silence.
• Efforts to substitute an undesirable notion with a positive one.
• Organizing your tinned products in a uniform fashion

One can distinguish between possessing OCD and being a perfectionist, which refers to an individual who demands flawless outcomes or performances. Beliefs associated with OCD extend beyond mere preoccupation with irrelevant matters or an obsession with maintaining order or cleanliness.

See a physician or mental health professional if your obsessions and compulsions negatively impact your quality of life.

Depending on the severity of OCD, some people may need long-term, ongoing, or more intensive treatment.

The two main treatments for OCD are psychotherapy and medication. Often, a combination of the two is most effective.

Psychotherapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a type of psychotherapy, is effective for many people with OCD. CBT involves gradually identifying the object of the fear or obsession, such as dirt, and learning ways to resist the urge to perform the compulsive rituals.

Medication treatment

Some groups of medications that can affect the psychoemotional state can help a person control obsessions and compulsions in OCD. Most often, an antidepressant is used first, but other groups of medications may be added later.

Other types of treatment

Sometimes psychotherapy and medication are not effective enough to control OCD symptoms. In cases that do not respond to treatment, they can be used:

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). The FDA has approved this hardware-based method for the treatment of OCD in adults aged 22 to 68 when traditional treatment approaches have failed.

TMS is a non-invasive method based on the use of magnetic fields and electromagnetic induction phenomena to correct the functioning of neural activity in the brain. TMS increases the neuroplasticity of nervous tissue through the release of neuroprotective substances and neurotransmitters (such as serotonin) in the brain. TMS also stimulates the formation of new nerve connections.

In addition, OCD in adults and children responds well to drug-free therapy using the NEUROFEEDBACK method and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS).

However, only a doctor after consultation determines the feasibility of the procedure