As mentioned in the previous blog, the incidence of symptoms of OCD is higher in people with schizophrenia. Sometimes, before a person presents with a full-blown episode of schizophrenia, symptoms of OCD can occur. Hence, specific diagnostic categories known as schizo-obsessive disorder have been suggested even though it has not received any formal recognition. This…
SOURCE AND ATTRIBUTION: Credit: Buckyball Design, Melissa Thomas Baum Source: International OCD Foundation OCD is a Brain Disorder which presents with intrusive, unwanted thoughts known as obsessions and some behaviour or counter thoughts to neutralise the obsessions. These countering thoughts or behaviours are known as compulsions.Let us see the kind of brain dysfunction and changes…
Can I self-diagnose OCD? There are specific self-rating scales for OCD. But this has to be advised and given by the psychiatrist. You should never self-diagnose any condition, even if you are a doctor yourself. You must avoid searching the internet for your symptoms or tools for self-diagnosis. You must seek help from a psychiatrist…
Do I need blood tests and an ECG? The doctor may request blood tests to rule out any physical conditions and ensure that medications can be administered safely. An ECG may be required for the same reason. If you continue on medications, periodic monitoring of blood tests will be necessary. Can other conditions be…
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a mental health condition which is caused by a combination of factors- biological, psychological and social factors. OCD may run in families and can be inherited. Certain infections can cause it. The personality of the person and their coping mechanism to stress also play a role in the expression of OCD. OCD…
Is OCD curable? OCD is a lifelong condition and follows periods of remission and relapse. Sometimes, stress can trigger an episode of OCD. Medications are sometimes required in the long term to control symptoms reasonably. With modern treatment options, OCD can be kept under control in the long term. How can I stop OCD?…
Can I cure OCD with diet? Some research suggests that a diet that is low in glutamate can help with symptoms of OCD.You must consult with your psychiatrist to get advice regarding this. Can caffeine help OCD? Some studies have shown that moderate coffee intake can reduce symptoms of OCD. But as with any…
What is cognitive Behavioural therapy? Cognitive behaviour therapy (also known as CBT) was a talk therapy founded by a psychiatrist, Aaron Beck, in 1960. CBT is widely used in the treatment of mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety disorders, OCD and addiction disorders. It is time-limited and usually requires you to see your psychiatrist…
You might have read in the introduction that CBT was invented by a psychiatrist known as Aaron Beck in 1960. It is widely used in the treatment of depression, anxiety disorders, OCD, etc. In this blog series, you will learn about self-help CBT techniques for OCD. This is also available as a Kindle and hard…
What is the term EXPOSURE in CBT? Exposure is typically the opposite of avoidance. Exposure is when you face the distressing obsessive thought deliberately and avoid the compulsion. This can be done in vivo or imaginal. For example., if you are highly distressed about touching door knobs (due to concerns of contamination), deliberately increase the…
