Specialist Clinical Psychologist Mustafa Eldek gave information on this subject. Psychiatric disorders are problems in one's thinking, mood or behavior for various reasons. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder in which people lead repetitive, unwanted thoughts, ideas, or sensations (obsessions) to engage in repetitive behaviors (compulsive behaviors).
Obsessions are thoughts, impulses or dreams that come to mind unintentionally, disturb the person, cannot be removed by the will of the individual, persistently recurring, alien to the self (ego-dystonic). Compulsions, on the other hand, are behaviors or mental actions that are not intended for pleasure, often aiming to reduce anxiety caused by obsessions, or to prevent the feared consequences. Often there is a coexistence of obsessions and compulsions. Obsessions most frequently defined by adult patients, according to their frequency; contamination (39%), suspicion (25%), symmetry (12%), somatic (9%), religious (7%), and sexual (6%) obsessions. The most common compulsions are, in order of frequency; checking (35%), cleaning (27%), repetitive behaviors (11%), compulsions to regulate (6%)
The risks of developing the disorder are primarily accompanied by family history, stressful life events, traumatic events, and other mental health disorders. Although it usually starts in adolescence and in the 20-30s, it can be seen at any age. It starts at an earlier age in men and is more common in women. Obsessive compulsive disorders are often accompanied by depression.
Those with obsessive compulsive disorder show fear and shyness first of all. Their lack of self-confidence causes their need for social recognition and acceptance to become very evident. Due to their fear of being alone and being abandoned, they engage in a giving behavior by putting their personal needs behind their other social needs.
It should be noted that if Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is not treated:
• Excessive time spent engaging in ritual acts
• The occurrence of health problems such as contact dermatitis caused by frequent hand washing
• Difficulty participating in work, school or social activities
• Increasing problems in bilateral relations, loss of communication
• Generally poor quality of life
• Seeing suicidal thoughts and behaviors
• Concomitant with other psychological disorders (such as depression, social phobia.)
Specialist Clinical Psychologist Mustafa Eldek said, “Studies report that cognitive behavioral therapy is at least as effective as medications and should be the first choice for many clients, especially those with mild to moderate severity. There are two points to note. It should be noted that there may be fluctuations in the treatment process. Periodically, repetitions or obsessions may increase. This situation should not be interpreted as the return of the disease. The main thing is to be patient and consistent. If you are experiencing discomfort in this regard, you should seek professional support.”
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