Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a chronic mental health condition where a person experiences unwanted, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and feels compelled to perform repetitive behaviors or mental rituals (compulsions) to relieve the anxiety these thoughts create.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a chronic mental health condition where a person experiences unwanted, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and feels compelled to perform repetitive behaviors or mental rituals (compulsions) to relieve the anxiety these thoughts create. For example, a person might fear contamination and wash their hands dozens of times a day, or they might feel the need to check repeatedly that doors are locked or appliances are turned off. OCD is not a quirk or a preference for cleanliness—it is a debilitating condition that consumes time, energy, and emotional wellbeing. Individuals often know their behaviors are irrational but feel powerless to stop them, leading to shame, secrecy, and distress. Globally, OCD affects about 2–3% of people. In Saudi Arabia, research suggests that OCD symptoms are relatively common, with religious and cultural factors sometimes shaping the nature of obsessions and compulsions. For example, scrupulosity—obsessions related to religious rituals, purity, or moral correctness—is frequently observed in the region.
What constitutes OCD?
The presence of obsessions, compulsions, or both, which are time-consuming (taking more than one hour per day) or cause significant distress/impairment in functioning.
Symptoms and warning signs
- Obsessions: intrusive thoughts, urges, or images (e.g., fear of germs, doubts about safety, unwanted violent or blasphemous thoughts)
- Compulsions: repetitive behaviors (handwashing, checking, counting, arranging) or mental rituals (silent prayers, repeating phrases) aimed at reducing anxiety
- Recognizing that obsessions and compulsions are excessive but feeling unable to control them
- Avoidance of situations that trigger obsessions
Causes and risk factors
- Genetic vulnerability (family history of OCD)
- Differences in brain circuits related to error detection and fear response
- Childhood infections (PANDAS: pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections)
- Environmental stressors and trauma
- Cultural/religious factors shaping the content of obsessions
Treatment approaches
- CBT with Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP): gold-standard therapy that gradually exposes patients to triggers while preventing compulsions
- Medication: SSRIs at higher doses than typically used for depression; clomipramine in resistant cases
- Combination therapy: ERP plus medication is most effective
- Family involvement: reducing accommodation of compulsive behaviors at home
- In severe cases: advanced treatments such as deep brain stimulation may be considered
Why Act Center for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia?
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