Kateřina Marklová

Currently, we perceive a greater number of requests for OCD treatment, not only within the Outpatient Clinic, but also in terms of residential clinics, which is not very frequent. Among the lay public, I very often encounter the fact that many do not even know what OCD means and whether the current feelings they have inside themselves can be classified under this name.

" Excessive washing habits, repeatedly checking locked doors, hoarding things, never-ending need to clean or comparing things with geometric precision" are all examples of this anxiety disorder.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder, often referred to by the abbreviation OCD from the English name (obsessive compulsive disorder), belongs to the group of anxiety disorders (formerly known as neuroses).

Anxiety disorders are considered "lighter" problems in psychiatry, psychoanalytic schools talk about neurotics as an unhealthy group of the population. However, OCD can torment you the most out of this group.

The name suggests the main symptoms, the presence of obsessive thoughts and compulsive activities in order to reduce the subjective feeling of anxiety. However, the anxiety is reduced only for a short time and the person suffering from these difficulties has to repeat his rituals very soon. It is the intensity and frequency of the difficulties that form the boundary between the broader norm and the diagnosis of OCD. We all experience intrusive repetitive thoughts (obsessions) and compulsive activities (compulsions) from time to time in our lives. Mothers of small children or people under stress know it. We can then talk about a predisposition to anxiety, increased sensitivity, etc.

At the moment when compulsive thoughts and activities take up a lot of our time and energy, we can consider the manifestations of OCD. That is min. we spend an hour or more a day with compulsive thoughts that we can't get rid of, some ritual (compulsive activity, i.e. compulsion) can help for a short time. However, it takes up so much time that it depletes our personal or work life, leaving no time or energy for leisure activities and friends.

At the same time, obsessions or compulsions can appear as an associated symptom of other problems, and are very often associated with addiction issues. If you suspect that you or someone close to you is suffering from these difficulties, we recommend a consultation with an expert who will evaluate all the influences and suggest the most suitable course of action.

For pure obsessive-compulsive disorder, a combination of psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy is used. In combination with addictive behavior, abstinence is a condition, and pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy will greatly help here as well. Every difficulty in life shows us that we are living in imbalance. It is the same with OCD. We talk to clients about the fact that it is a call to change in life and personal growth. And that's always worth the effort 😊.

Try to see if OCD affects you in some form.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Test | Information (mind-diagnostics.org)