The COVID 19 pandemic has brought huge changes in our lifestyle and its impact has been overwhelming. Maintaining good hygiene and washing hands frequently has become our new normal and also an important tool against this deadly virus. Leading healthcare organizations like W.H.O., ICMR, AIIMS have issued proper guidelines on handwashing, so one can stay safe from the infection. So, the questions may arise, all those who are now doing ritualistic cleaning have OCD? Well, the answer is -NO.
Obsessive Compulsive disorder is a type of Anxiety Spectrum Disorder. The essential feature of this disorder is recurrent obsessional thoughts or compulsive acts. Obsessive thoughts are ideas, images or impulses which are repetitive, uncontrollable and most importantly distressing, and irrational. They are recognized as individuals own thought even, they are involuntary and often repugnant.
Compulsive behaviors are acts or rituals that are repeated again and again with the aim of either preventing or neutralizing the distress or fear arising from obsessions. Here are some common Myths and Facts about OCD.
MYTH: OCD IS ALL ABOUT CLEANLINESS
Fact: Over concern with cleanliness is not the only symptom of OCD. In fact, for some OCD patients do not have any issue with cleaning or washing or keeping themselves organized. Yes, it is one of the common obsessions in OCD, but People with OCD can have obsessions related to a wide variety of things, including losing control, hurting others, unwanted sexual thoughts, and many more. Similarly, the anxiety caused by these obsessions can be lessened by different compulsions, such as “checking” (e.g., re-checking door locks, repeatedly making sure the oven is off), “repeating” (e.g., doing the same action or ritual over and over to be sure it was done “correctly”), and “counting” (e.g., doing things in certain numbers, counting items to certain numbers)
MYTH: WE ARE ALL “A LITTLE BIT OCD” AT TIMES.
FACT: OCD is not a personality or a character trait — it is a very real mental health in which person experiences crushing anxiety and distress. While many people can have obsessive or compulsive traits, OCD stands for obsessive compulsive disorder, and people who are diagnosed with OCD cannot simply “turn it off.”
MYTH: OCD IS JUST A STRESS, RELAX AND NOT WORRY SO MUCH
FACT: Think people with OCD should just relax and stop obsessing? Well, it’s not that simple. OCD incites uncontrollable fears and anxiety — and while stressful situations can exacerbate symptoms in people with obsessive compulsive disorder, stress alone does not cause it.
MYTH: OCD IS RARE IN KIDS.
At least 1 in every 200 kids and teens has obsessive compulsive disorder and it can strike as young as 4 years old. “This is about the same number of children who have diabetes — (but no one considers diabetes to be rare).OCD, if remain untreated can affect every part of their lives, from school to home.
MYTH: OCD ISN’T TREATABLE.
FACT: OCD is definitely treatable. Psychotherapeutic techniques like exposure and response prevention has very good results with the OCD. Some people may need a combination of behavioral therapy and medications.
OCD — and mental illness in general — is still highly stigmatized and misunderstood. The best thing the family member or friend can do for someone who is suffering, is to encourage and help that person to seek treatment. COVID 19, followed by uncertain lockdown, fear of contracting infection may worsen the preexisting symptoms of OCD. In any such case, know that “ YOU ARE NOT ALONE AND HELP IS AVAILABLE”

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