Every 2 out of 100 people suffer from obsessive-compulsive disorder(OCD). Even a child suffers from OCD.
This anxiety disorder is mentally disturbing and frightening which compels its patient to hide their problem.
Even you or your loved ones may be experiencing OCD. So, let’s check some interesting facts related to OCD.
If you are suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder, then seek medical help.
What is OCD?
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a type of anxiety disorder in which people experience repetitive disturbing thoughts and behaviors such as fear of germs, dirt, acting violence.
2. There are two types of OCD symptoms:
i. Obsessions: Repetitive & disturbing thoughts, urges, or impulses. i.e. fear of bacterial contamination, strong urge to count number, an extreme need for order and arrangement of things.
ii. Compulsions: Repetitive behaviors and actions in response to the obsession. I.e. washing your hands repetitively, constantly over-cleaning things, counting numbers in daily rituals.
3. OCD can cause due to a genetic factor. If your parents or siblings have OCD, you have a high risk of this illness. Studies show heredity contributes around 50% of the risk of developing this disorder.
4. World Health Organization(WHO) claims OCD is more common in developed countries than in developing countries.
5. OCD has a neurobiological basis.
How common is OCD?
6. Celebrities like Daniel Radcliffe, Cameron Diaz, Leonardo Dicaprio, Megan Fox, and Justin Timberlake have suffered from OCD.
7. 1 in 40 American adults (2.3% of the US population) has OCD. It is estimated that 1 to 3% of the world population has OCD.
8. 1 in 100 children suffers from OCD in the U.S.
9. Children with OCD may not realize their compulsions and obsessive thoughts as illness.
10. The average age of people who are diagnosed with OCD is 19 years.
OCD treatment and cures
11. OCD is curable. After treatment OCD patients can switch back to their healthy lives.
12. The treatment options for OCD are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and medication.
13. Brain dysfunction and stress can help trigger OCD. Generally, it is accepted that the more you feel you are in control, the less stressed you are and this helps to lessen the OCD symptoms.
14. OCD affects both genders equally. However, there are some differences males have an earlier age of OCD onset. Females have more contamination related to obsession while males have hoarding and sexual fetishes.
15. Though there are treatment options for OCD, the exact cause of this mental illness has not been identified yet.
BONUS FACT: Experts suggest that OCD might be linked with fluctuation of serotonin level in the brain.
Are you an OCD patient?
You may have some obsessive thoughts and/or compulsive behaviors. However, please take note that unless these thoughts or actions are disturbing your social or work life, you do not have OCD.
If you are unsure, visit your doctor.
Bottom line
Hence, OCD is a mental disorder, that affects all age groups and sexes. If you are from a developed nation, you are more likely to get OCD. It is genetically contagious within siblings and offsprings.
OCD is curable by medication and Cognitive behavioral therapy. Its patient can think and live normally after the treatment.
If you feel that someone you know does have OCD, why not share this article to them. After all, sharing is caring.
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