Recognising OCD Symptoms and Finding the Right Treatment

Identifying the early OCD signs and symptoms is crucial to seeking prompt treatment and managing the condition effectively. OCD is a type of mental illness that causes repeated thoughts and sensations. OCD affects 1-3 percent of the population. If left unchecked and untreated, it can get worse with time, resulting in severe symptoms that can affect every aspect of your life, as well as those people around you. It’s important to identify the early obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms and take prompt measures. At Cadabam’s Hospitals, we offer treatment for a wide range of mental health problems, including OCD. We have a multispecialty team of experienced mental health professionals who offer holistic treatment for OCD, which includes both therapeutic and pharmacological intervention. The OCD symptoms in adults can have severe impacts, such as loss of career or harm caused by compulsive behaviours. 

Understanding OCD

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder most commonly known as OCD, is a psychological condition in which the patient thinks excessively about something, due to which he or she starts behaving in a compulsive way. This excessive thinking is mostly around a particular thing, such as cleanliness, the arrangement of items, and more. This condition may start slowly and then gradually get severe.

OCD is quite common. It is only that some people have mild symptoms, while some may have quite intense ones. 

The symptoms of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder in adults can have some severe impacts on patients. There have been instances where the patients have lost their careers or have hurt themselves intensely under compulsive behaviour. 

OCD is treatable, but it is important to identify the symptoms early so that the right treatment can be started early. The intensity of the obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms, causes treatment options to affect accordingly, meaning your treatment plan depends on the severity of your condition.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Signs and Symptoms

Obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms signs and symptoms may include excessive worry, restlessness, and repetitive behaviours like hand washing or organising items repeatedly. The OCD symptoms in adults often manifest through obsessions and compulsions that interfere with daily life. OCD symptoms can be extremely varied and wide-ranging, and go far beyond the "standard" signs and symptoms most people would associate with the condition. 

The Signs And Symptoms of OCD

The signs of OCD often involve persistent, intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviours that feel uncontrollable. Individuals may experience obsessions, such as a fear of contamination, and engage in compulsions like excessive cleaning or checking. These behaviours are typically time-consuming and can disrupt daily routines. While the individual recognises these thoughts and actions as irrational, they feel compelled to continue them to reduce anxiety or prevent perceived harm. Early identification of these signs is crucial for seeking effective treatment. 

The symptoms of OCD falls under two categories naming- obsessions and compulsions. A brief explanation of the both is given below.

(I) Obsessions: These are recurring thoughts that are in some way disturbing and terrifying. They cause extreme anxiety and stress. The person experiencing these thoughts is fully informed that they are irrational.

(II) Compulsions: These are repetitive behaviours and actions that a person feels forced to perform, often as an attempt to prevent or stop an obsessive thought. These repetitive actions or behaviours could be -

• Continual Cleaning, such as repeated Hand-washing
• Organising things every now and then
• Seeking reassurances
• Hoarding
• Continuous counting
• Involving in ritualistic behaviours.

As with obsessions, the person experiencing compulsions knows that they are irrational, too.
As an example of both, some individuals may develop an obsession with the thought that they are contaminated. To reduce the anxiety, they start engaging in the compulsive activity of cleaning their hands repetitively.
The other Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Symptoms that could be associated with the above may include-

• Excessive worry
• Restlessness
• Feeling negative and unhappy
• Palpitations
• Muscle aches and pains
• Fatigue,and numbness
• Tingling

These symptoms may range from mild to serious, so they may be something that the person isn't aware of. The OCD symptoms may start manifesting itself at any time in a person's life. It might start happening in the person's twenties or thirties. Many psychiatrists believe that OCD usually starts at an early age, between 10 and 12.

Impact of OCD: How it Affects Your Life

OCD can significantly disrupt daily life by interfering with routines, relationships, and productivity.  These symptoms often lead to emotional distress and reduced quality of life, highlighting the need for timely intervention. OCD symptoms in adults can severely impact their lives, making it hard to focus on work, relationships, or personal responsibilities. Individuals may spend hours on compulsive behaviours, like checking or cleaning, which disrupt routines and cause emotional distress. Recognising and addressing OCD symptoms in adults early is essential to prevent further complications and improve quality of life. With proper treatment, managing OCD symptoms in adults becomes more achievable, helping individuals regain control.

Understanding the Impact of OCD on Health and Social Well-being

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) affects not just the mental state but also various aspects of an individual’s life, including physical health, work productivity, and personal relationships. The compulsions and fears associated with OCD often lead to challenges that significantly disrupt daily functioning. Below, we explore the multifaceted impact of OCD on health, work-life, and social relationships.

Health

There are patients who may wash their hands or face so much that they might end up getting severe wounds on the skin. There are also other OCD patients who may end up consuming the wrong medicines under compulsion. There have been instances where mothers have aborted their babies just due to fear or OCD. 

Work-Life

Patients with OCD are not able to focus on their work, and this can hamper their professional or academic life. These patients keep on thinking about their fear and may end up not completing their tasks. 

Social and Interpersonal Relationships

Many patients with OCD may not like to leave their house due to their fear and may end up ruining their social relationships. Also, the people around them can get frustrated with their behaviour, and this can cause trouble in their interpersonal relationships too. 

Treatment Options for OCD

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) can be managed effectively with a combination of therapies and, in some cases, medications. Below are the key treatment options:

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

CBT, particularly Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), is one of the most effective approaches for treating OCD. It helps individuals confront intrusive thoughts and reduce compulsive behaviours by gradually exposing them to their fears in a controlled way.

Medications

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly prescribed to balance brain chemistry and alleviate OCD symptoms. These medications work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, helping reduce obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviours.

Advanced Treatments

In severe cases where traditional treatments are ineffective, advanced options like Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) may be considered. This involves implanting a device to regulate brain activity, offering relief to individuals with treatment-resistant OCD.

Personalised Treatment Plans

OCD treatment is most effective when tailored to the individual. A combination of therapies and medications, adjusted to the patient’s specific needs and severity of symptoms, is crucial for improving their quality of life and long-term management of OCD.

Managing OCD Symptoms: Your Journey to Wellness Begins at Cadabams Hospital

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterised by persistent, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions). These symptoms can significantly disrupt a person's daily life, affecting their health, work, and relationships. Patients with OCD conditions require intense care. Hence, it is important that you reach out to the right specialists for proper help. 

If you are searching for a solution to your problem, Cadabam’s Hospitals can help you with its team of specialised experts. We have been helping thousands of people live healthier and happier lives for 30+ years. We leverage evidence-based approaches and holistic treatment methods to help individuals effectively manage their OCD. Get in touch with us today. You can call us at +91 97414 76476. You can even email us at info@cadabamshospitals.com.

Frequently Asked Question

What is the role of a psychiatrist in managing symptoms of OCD?

The psychiatrist talks to the patient to understand the OCD signs and symptoms, then offers medications or therapy accordingly. They then offer the right medications to treat the symptoms of OCD. Some psychiatrists also use the help of psychologists to treat severe conditions. 

What is a psychiatric emergency in OCD?

There are many situations when the patient may harm themselves or others. This is called a psychiatric emergency in OCD. Cadabam’s Hospitals offer services in order to tackle such emergency situations.  

Is OCD a serious condition?

Yes, OCD can be a serious condition as it causes significant emotional distress and disrupts daily life. The persistent, intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviours associated with OCD can interfere with personal, professional, and social functioning. In severe cases, individuals may experience heightened anxiety or engage in harmful behaviours, emphasising the need for timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment to manage the condition effectively.