What Are Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders?
Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders are a category of disorders marked by obsessive thoughts, compulsive behaviours, or both. These disorders often involve preoccupations and repeated behaviours or mental acts driven by anxiety or distress.
Symptoms
While all are different some general symptoms include :
- Repetitive, Intrusive Thoughts (obsessions)
- Uncontrollable repetitive behaviours or mental acts (compulsions)
- Excessive Preoccupations
- Avoidance Behaviours, and significant distress or impairment in daily functioning.
Treatments
Treatments typically involve cognitive-behavioural therapy, specifically exposure and response prevention. Medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can also be beneficial.
Self Help Strategies Include
Education
Understand your disorder and its treatments.
Stay Connected
Talk to someone you trust about your compulsions.
Manage Stress
Techniques like meditation can help manage symptoms.
Avoid Drugs and Alcohol
These can worsen symptoms or interfere with treatments.
Join a Support Group
This can help you connect with others who experience similar challenges.
Establish a Routine
Consistency in daily activities can provide a sense of normality.
Limit Caffeine and Sugar
These can exacerbate anxiety and mood swings.
Practice Relaxation Techniques
Deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation can reduce anxiety.
Get Quality Sleep
Ensure 7-9 hours of restful sleep nightly to help manage symptoms.
The Types Of Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders
While many people are familiar with the term "obsessive-compulsive disorder," this category comprises several distinct disorders, each with its unique symptoms and challenges. Here, we delve into the different types to offer a comprehensive understanding.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Often seen as the archetype of this category, OCD is characterised by intrusive, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours or mental acts (compulsions) a person feels driven to perform.
Discover OCDHoarding Disorder
Hoarding disorder involves persistent difficulty discarding or parting with possessions, regardless of their actual value. People with hoarding disorder experience distress at the thought of getting rid of items and may accumulate excessive clutter in their living spaces.
What Is Hording Disorder?Trichotillomania (Hair-Pulling Disorder)
Trichotillomania is characterized by recurrent hair-pulling, resulting in noticeable hair loss. Individuals with this disorder often have an urge to pull their hair out and may experience tension relief or gratification from the act.
Explore TrichotillomaniaExcoriation (Skin-Picking) Disorder
Excoriation disorder involves recurrent picking at one's skin, leading to skin lesions or damage. It often occurs in response to perceived skin imperfections or to relieve anxiety or tension.
Dive Into ExcoriationOther Specified Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders (OSOCRD)
These are conditions related to obsessive-compulsive behaviour but don't fully align with the specific criteria of the other disorders in this category. They still significantly impact one's life.