Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is the fifth most disabling psychiatric condition, but not many people seek treatment for it, experts said Sunday. According to the WHO, only about 35% to 40% of people with the disorder seek therapy. The number of people receiving evidence-based treatment for the disorder is less than 10 percent.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) has a prevalence twice as high as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder and is the fourth most common psychiatric disorder, the experts said. Shedding light on the reasons why not many people seek treatment for OCD, Dr. Neelesh Tiwari, a neuropsychiatrist at World Brain Center Hospital, Delhi, said the reason is lack of awareness and understanding of the disorder.
“What is needed is to spread awareness about OCD among the public. Targeted treatment strategies can help OCD patients regain control over symptoms, functioning, and quality of life.” Dr. Tiwary said that OCD treatment is very effective and most people who receive treatment make a full recovery.
Depending on the severity, treatments range from a variety of medications to therapies. “In mild cases, therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy have been found to suffice. In more severe cases, medications are prescribed. Antidepressants are commonly prescribed to help alleviate anxiety,” said Dr. Tiwary.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder can be identified by the presence of obsessions, compulsions, or both. An unwanted and intrusive thought pattern, image, or impulse may be called an obsession. Obsessions have their roots in an individual’s thinking. Compulsions are behaviors that a person engages in repeatedly as a result of feeling compelled to do so in response to an obsession. They are typically considered unreasonable or excessive by the individual, the experts said.
According to Dr. Nayamat Bawa, Chief Psychologist at Iwill – ePsyClinic, “Sometimes diagnosing obsessive-compulsive disorder can be difficult because its symptoms can be similar to other mental health illnesses. They can be detected by looking at the compulsive behavior of a person. .”
“Recent studies suggest that people who are more familiar with their diagnosis and have had previous interactions with mental health specialists are more likely to be receptive to considering other treatment options.
“On the other hand, a lack of understanding of the problem and a depressed mood can decrease a person’s willingness to seek treatment,” Dr. Bawa said. Dr. Bhavna Barmi, a senior psychologist at the Fortis Escorts Health Institute, said the two main therapies for OCD are psychological treatment and medication. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a form of psychotherapy that many people with obsessive-compulsive disorder find helpful.
“You will learn to resist the temptation to perform your obsessive rituals by exposing yourself to the feared object or obsession, such as dirt, as part of cognitive behavioral therapy. “One component of cognitive behavioral therapy is known as exposure and response prevention. Additionally, there are psychiatric medications that can help control OCD symptoms, such as obsessions and compulsions,” said Dr. Barmi.
She said that people suffering from OCD may have experienced isolation from others and loneliness. “You can help people with the disorder feel supported and get the treatment they need by raising awareness about this issue. People need to be educated about the realities of OCD,” added Dr. Barmi.
(With PTI inputs)
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