OCD is a psychiatric disorder characterized by obsessive thoughts and compulsive actions and repetitive behaviours; having a tendency towards excessive orderliness perfectionist and great attentions to details. Obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD), a highly prevalent psychiatric condition, is recognized as one of the 10 most disabling conditions given its impact on functioning and quality of life. A study in Nigeria showed that 54.3% of patients with schizophrenia had OCD.
The individuals locked up in this pattern of behaviour find it difficult to break free or overcome. There is a way their brain process information resulting in uncontrollable worry and doubt called ‘’obsession’’. It is important to know that OCD is prevalent in children; the child performs repetitive habits due to compulsion, this is done in an effort to reduce anxiety caused by obsession.
Its reduction is only but temporary because carrying out the compulsion reinforces and strengthens the obsession which only worsens the cycle of OCD behaviours.
OCD presents itself in many guises and exceeds the conventional misconception that OCD is merely a little handwashing and checking of door knobs which are also justifiable OCD compulsions, with such perception there is a failure to acknowledge the distressing thoughts that occurs before such behaviours.
Common obsessions and compulsions fall into:
- Fear of contamination – washing or cleaning
- Fear of harm (intrusive thoughts)
- Fear of losing valuables(hoarding)
- Mental contamination
- Need for perfection(seeking assurance)
Individuals with this disorder are suffering and need effective treatment to cope. This common obsessions and compulsion are time consuming, cause significant distress and obstruct daily fun school activities. OCD which is more common in kids can be difficult to diagnose; kids tend to hide their symptoms out of confusion and embarrassment.
No laboratory test can identify OCD but a mental health professional who is knowledgeable about the disorder can conduct a specific type of interview to determine whether an individual has OCD. Scientists understand that obsessive compulsive disorder is a neurobiological illness caused by an imbalance in certain brain chemicals; also a stressful event or life change can trigger its onset. Some common examples are:
- Death of a love one
- Birth of siblings
- Divorce
- Transition to a new school year
Like most illness, the disorder is sensitive to stress and a stressful event may worsen symptoms or lower a child’s ability to cope.
Proper treatment can help your child to regain control and manage the disorder. Here are a few steps that can be taken to tackle OCD;
- Understanding OCD.
- Finding the right therapist to provide treatment.
- Learning how to recognize and respond to symptom at home ’’it is interesting to know that movies and television shows aids in treating OCD’’.
- A special kind of psychotherapy known as ‘’exposure and response prevention(ERP)which is a form of cognitive behaviour therapy is an effective method of treating OCD, this put participants in situations that exposes their obsession and simultaneously prevent them from performing the compulsions used to ease accompanying obsessions.
In conclusion the above has shown how OCD which is a highly prevalent, disturbing psychiatric disorder interferes with several life activities and control measures has been stated above, yet little is known about OCD-affected individuals in Africa.
