What is obsessive-compulsive disorder?
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a psychiatric illness that, as its name implies, is characterized by the presence of obsessions and/or compulsions.
How are obsessions and compulsions defined?
- Obsessions: repetitive thoughts, impulses, or images that arise intrusively and independently of the person's will, causing intense anxiety, suffering, and discomfort
- Compulsions: repetitive mental or motor acts that the person feels compelled to perform, usually in response to the distress caused by the obsessions
As a rule, people recognize the absurdity of obsessions and compulsions, but the anxiety they provoke makes it impossible or difficult to resist.
What are the most frequent obsessions and compulsions?
Obsessions and compulsions can take many forms and themes. The most frequent are related to:
- Cleaning: Washing hands or surfaces excessively due to fear of contamination
- Check: Confirm that the door is closed or an appliance turned off to prevent anything negative from occurring
- Order and symmetry: arranging objects in a certain way to avoid discomfort
Unpleasant thoughts or images may also arise about sexual, aggressive or religious themes, as well as mental compulsions, such as silently repeating certain phrases or prayers to reduce the anxiety caused by obsessions.
What is the treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder?
Treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder usually includes a combination of medication and psychotherapy.
The most commonly used drugs are antidepressants and the most effective psychotherapy is cognitive-behavioral therapy.
Source: Portuguese Society of Psychiatry and Mental Health (SPPSM)