You’ve probably heard more than once about OCD (or obsessive-compulsive disorder). However, the information that appears referring to this condition can give rise to certain confusions that arise throughout life. Do we really know what OCD is? Does anyone have OCD? Does OCD develop in the same way in all people who are diagnosed?
These types of questions can guide us to think a little more deeply about the issue of OCD. If you want to obtain more information on the subject, in this Psychology-Online article we will provide you with information about whether a person with OCD can be dangerous.
How serious can OCD be?
(OCD) is a clinical condition that is related to the presence of a series of thoughts, actions and rituals that are carried out repetitively. According to the DSM-V, to diagnose OCD it is necessary to meet a series of criteria which we will see next:
- Intrusive thoughts and images that generate anxiety.
- The person tries to avoid or eliminate these thoughts and/or actions.
- The person experiences unpleasant sensations related to these actions and/or thoughts.
- Duration of six months or more.
- Deterioration of work, social and family relationships due to thoughts, actions and/or rituals.
- The alterations of this disorder cannot be explained by the presence of any other mental disorder. and/or the ingestion of some substance.
The presence of any of these symptoms in isolation does not necessarily represent that we are facing a clinical picture of obsessive-compulsive disorder. The diagnosis must be made by a health professional mental that evaluates the characteristics of each person.
The intensity of OCD can vary depending on the patient’s personality. In this sense, factors such as personal history, sex, family history or pre-existing illnesses can determine the severity of OCD. In addition, the symptoms of this disorder can affect the development of daily life.
What happens in the brain of a person with OCD
Why does OCD occur? Although environmental situations are related to the appearance of OCD symptoms, it must be taken into account that the origin of this disorder may be linked to neuronal alterations. According to various investigations, it has been determined that a disconnection between neurons housed in the primary sensory corticessuch as visual, auditory, gustatory, olfactory and somatosensory, with respect to close and distant neuronal groups.
These facts could explain the behaviors and thoughts that develop in people who suffer from obsessive-compulsive disorder.
How a person with OCD suffers
When in doubt as to whether a person with OCD is dangerous, you should know that their symptoms cause a high degree of suffering, but that this does not affect the individuals around them. The actions, thoughts and routines that he performs do not give him pleasure, quite the opposite. Even so, the paradox is that compulsions produce a feeling of anxiety, anguishstress or, among others.
Next, we will show you how OCD affects the quality of life of affected people:
- Deterioration in social relationships.
- Loss of social activities.
- Retreat.
- Lack of interest in recreational activities.
- Avoidance of social situations.
- Skin diseases, for example, dermatitis.
How OCD affects personal relationships
OCD symptoms make it difficult to develop personal relationships. One of the problems that people with obsessive-compulsive disorder encounter is that They tend to judge them for their obsessive actions. As an example, there are patients with OCD who lack order, which causes them to have a tendency to demand that others comply with the same routines.
If you have a conflict with a person with OCD, it is important to remind them that they should go to a mental health professional when their obsessions prevent them from functioning in their daily lives.
This article is merely informative, at Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.
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References
- American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington: Panamericana Medical Publishing.
Bibliography
- Bados, A. (2017). Obsessive compulsive disorder. University of Barcelona. Faculty of Psychology, Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychobiology.
- Navarro Bayón, D. (2004). Characteristics and treatment of treatment-resistant obsessive disorder. Psicothema Magazine,16 (2), 241-247.