Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a psychiatric condition characterized by the co-occurrence of obsessions — intrusive thoughts and urges — and compulsions — repetitive mental acts and behaviors. In cases resistant to all medication treatments administered by psychiatry specialists, deep brain stimulation (DBS) can be applied as an alternative treatment.

What is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a psychiatric condition characterized by the co-occurrence of obsessions — intrusive thoughts and urges — and compulsions — repetitive mental acts and behaviors. It is a psychiatric disorder in which a person repeatedly performs certain actions in order to suppress the urge caused by obsessions that are known to be irrational but continue to occupy the mind and cannot be controlled.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder characterized by unwanted thoughts, urges or images (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) developed in response to these obsessions. These obsessions and compulsions can significantly affect a person's daily life, causing distress and loss of functioning.

Types and Symptoms of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Obsessions

• Fear of contamination or infection
• Doubt and uncertainty
• Need for order and symmetry
• Aggressive or sexual thoughts
• Obsessions related to religious or moral issues

Compulsions

• Hand washing, cleaning or disinfecting
• Checking, counting or repeating
• Arranging and ordering
• Mental rituals (praying, counting)
• Avoidance behaviors

Causes of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Although the exact cause of OCD is not fully known, the following factors are thought to play a role:

How is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Diagnosed?

There is no laboratory test for the diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder. The patient's behavior is monitored by a specialist psychiatrist and the disease is diagnosed by evaluating the symptoms.

Treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

The most effective methods in OCD treatment are:

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) in Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

In treatment-resistant OCD cases, a surgical method called Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) may be considered. DBS works by placing electrodes in specific targets in the brain and sending electrical impulses to the brain through these electrodes. DBS can significantly reduce OCD symptoms and improve quality of life.

Advantages of DBS

• Can be effective in patients who do not respond to medication.
• Can provide rapid and meaningful improvement in symptoms.
• Adjustable and outcome-focused.

Living with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

OCD can be a challenging condition, but it can be managed and overcome with treatment. Options such as CBT, medication, and DBS can help individuals with OCD take control of their symptoms and lead a more fulfilling life.

Obsessive thoughts and the compulsive behaviors performed to suppress these thoughts can make a person's work, family and social life difficult. While the impact of OCD varies from person to person, it can significantly reduce the quality of life of many people.

Effects of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder on Daily Life

A person experiencing OCD symptoms can make their daily tasks more difficult, negatively affecting their self-confidence. They experience difficulties in work and school life. It makes it difficult for the person to concentrate, causing inefficient use of their time, which over time reduces their performance in work or educational life.

Coping Methods for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Confronting obsessive thoughts is one of the most commonly used methods. Allowing anxiety to come, rather than trying to get rid of it, trying to stay with the anxiety, will at some point allow you to recognize your worries and obsessive thoughts and deal with them better.

The Relationship Between Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Anxiety

OCD and anxiety are known as two mental disorders that influence each other. Obsessive-compulsive disorder involves constantly recurring thoughts. As this progresses, it can cause intense anxiety.

OCD makes you do something. This is called compulsion. This is the most important difference from anxiety. If you have anxiety, the likelihood of having OCD increases. Because OCD and anxiety share the same genetic root. OCD is somewhat more doubt-based and goes beyond anxiety.

How Common is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder?

Research shows that approximately 2.3% of the population, or 1 in every 40 people, will develop OCD in their lifetime, and 1.2% of people have OCD in any given 12-month period.

Effects of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder on Social Life

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can cause people to have various difficulties in adapting to social life. The obsessions and compulsions caused by OCD can affect a person's daily life and lead to deterioration of relationships.

• They experience difficulties in relationships. Those close to them may have difficulty understanding the person's behavior, leading to conflicts.
• It creates social isolation. People who fear that these thoughts and behaviors will be triggered in social settings avoid being with others and prefer solitude.
• It causes loss of self-confidence.
• They experience difficulties in work and school life. They have difficulty with daily activities.