OCD
Definition - OCD (Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder) is a mental condition where a person gets unwanted, repetitive thoughts (obsessions) and feels the need to do certain actions again and again (compulsions) to reduce anxiety or discomfort, even if they know the actions don’t actually help.
Cause: 1. Brain chemistry
• Imbalance in certain brain chemicals (like serotonin) can affect how the brain controls fear, worry, and habits.
2. Brain structure
• Some areas of the brain that handle decision-making, checking, and danger signals may work differently or be overactive.
3. Genetics
• OCD can run in families, which means some people inherit a higher chance of developing it.
4. Environment & life experiences
• Stressful events, trauma, bullying, or big life changes can trigger OCD in someone who was already vulnerable.
5. Learned behaviour
• Sometimes the brain “learns” that doing a compulsion reduces fear for a moment, so it repeats the behaviour more and more.
6. Infections (rare cases)
• In some children, a sudden start of OCD may be linked to certain infections (like strep throat), but this is uncommon.
Treatment - 1. CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy)
• This is the most effective treatment.
• It helps you understand your thoughts and slowly reduce the fear connected to them.
• A special type called ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention) teaches you to face the fear without doing the compulsion.
2. Medication
• Doctors may prescribe medicines that balance brain chemicals (usually SSRIs).
• These reduce the intensity of obsessions and compulsions.
3. Combination of Therapy + Medication
• Many people improve fastest when they use both, especially in moderate or severe OCD.
4. Lifestyle Support
• Regular sleep
• Healthy routines
• Stress-reduction strategies (deep breathing, exercise, grounding techniques)
5. Family/Education Support
• Understanding OCD helps families support the person without reinforcing compulsions.
If you want, I can also explain how each treatment works step-by-step or in simpler school-level language.
Is OCD bad?