WHY IS OCD PROBLEMATIC FOR THE SUFFERER?

Because the OCD sufferer spends an excessive amount of time cleaning and checking, he or she may not have enough time for important daily tasks. There will be problems with being late for appointments and being unable to hand in assignments on time. The compulsions also affect other family members and friends and the relationship with others becomes strained. Some family members are even “recruited” into the cleaning and checking rituals.

Many OCD sufferers and their loved ones are stressed and exhausted by these obsessions and compulsions. Some OCD symptoms can be bizarre in their content and sufferers fear that they might be going mad. Many also become depressed, are unable to sleep and some even entertain suicidal thoughts.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED ASSESSMENT & TREATMENT?

If you have the above symptoms and they are causing distress and affecting your life, it is time to consult a doctor. Many people suffer needlessly from these symptoms, which is unfortunate because OCD can be treated.

Sometimes OCD symptoms can be bizarre and may be confused with other mental disorders such as psychosis, and a detailed assessment by a psychiatrist can help to distinguish between them as it has an impact on treatment. Besides eliciting OCD symptoms, the doctor will check if you are depressed because many OCD sufferers are also suffering from depression.

Physical investigations such as blood tests and brain scans may or may not be required. After the diagnosis is made, the psychiatrist decides on the treatment for you.

Find a Psychiatrist

Expert Author:

Dr Thong Jiunn Yew, Nobel Psychological Wellness Clinic