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Do you have persistent obsessions or intrusive thoughts? Are you always worried about contamination or want things to be symmetrical? You could be suffering from mental health condition, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
The South Africa Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) defines OCD as a serious but treatable medical disorder. Affinity Health CEO Murray Hewlett describes it as “a mental health illness defined by persistent, unwelcome thoughts, desires, or images (obsessions) that cause people to engage in repeated actions or mental acts (compulsions). These obsessions and compulsions frequently disrupt everyday tasks and cause considerable distress.”
Sadag further says: “Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a type of anxiety disorder that can strike at any age but often begins in early adult life. The illness afflicts 2-3% of the population in all economic brackets and all races and religions, during any given year. It can overwhelm their lives, making them unable to work, socialise or enjoy family life.”
Hewlett says it is important to recognise OCD symptoms.
“OCD symptoms can manifest in various ways. The most common symptoms of OCD are obsessions and compulsions. Obsessions are persistent, intrusive thoughts, images, or impulses that cause distress or anxiety.
“Common themes include fear of contamination or dirt — worries about germs, getting dirty or becoming ill. Doubts and the need for perfection — people need things to be symmetrical or in perfect order, and they doubt if doors are locked, or appliances are turned off. Harm — fearing causing harm to oneself or others, often accompanied by vivid, disturbing images.”
He says compulsions are repeating actions or mental activities that an individual feels compelled to undertake in response to an obsession.
“These might include excessive cleaning and handwashing — being driven by fears of germs or contamination. Ordering and arranging – needing things to be in a specific order or symmetry.
“Checking — repeatedly checking doors, appliances, or other items to prevent harm, fire, leaks or other feared events. Mental compulsions — counting, praying, repeating certain words or performing tasks a certain number of times to reduce anxiety,” says Hewlett. (Source: www.sowetanlive.co.za)
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