Is OCD A Serious Mental Illness?

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder can be complicated, especially if you do not understand it. Some information can provide the facts about OCD.

 

 

Is OCD Considered A Serious Mental Illness?

 

OCD can be severe or minor, depending on the circumstances.

Examples include whether the person has a co-occuring disorder, whether they are receiving treatment, and whether they have support from other people in their everyday lives.

 

In most cases, OCD is considered serious, requiring long-term or even lifelong treatment.

In addition, individuals with OCD are at risk of developing other mental illnesses, such as depression.

 

 

 

 

Is OCD A Serious Health Condition?

 

OCD is more than a mental illness. It can lead to physical complications, too.

OCD can affect organs and systems throughout the body.

 

One example includes a wide range of psychosomatic issues, from respiratory problems to migraines.

 

Another example is self-harm. This dangerous practice can result in skin infections.

 

Risky behaviors are other examples.

A person with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder can be prone to indiscriminate sexual activity, taking unnecessary chances while driving, excessive drinking, and becoming involved with illegal drugs.

 

These behaviors can put a person’s health, safety, and even life in danger because poor judgment is often a part of OCD.

 

 

 

 

Is OCD Considered A Mental Disability?

 

The ADA- Americans with Disabilities Act- considers any condition that impairs a person’s functioning in everyday life to be a disability.

In general, OCD would be in this category.

 

However, the severity of symptoms and the ability to manage symptoms can make a difference if a person wants to apply for disability insurance benefits.

If the symptoms are mild, or well-managed, it may be difficult to be approved for SSDI.

It may take multiple attempts to be approved.

 

As OCD is considered a disability, though, the person should not give up.

Individuals with OCD deserve help, and financial assistance is part of it.

 

 

 

What Category Of Mental Illness IS OCD?

 

There have been ongoing debates and disagreements over how to categorize OCD.

 

Many doctors and individuals rely on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, published by the American Psychiatric Association for diagnostic criteria.

The most recent version- DSM-5- places Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in the category of Anxiety Disorders.

 

 

 

 

What Are Severe OCD Symptoms?

 

Symptoms of OCD include Obsessive symptoms and Compulsion symptoms.

 

Obsessive symptoms are unwanted, persistent urges, images, or thoughts that cause anxiety or distress.

Examples include unreasonable fears, the inability to cope with uncertainty, and frightening thoughts about harm.

 

Compulsion symptoms involve mental acts or repetitive behaviors for the purpose of reducing anxiety or preventing disasters. Common examples include persistent cleaning, washing, sorting, counting, and checking.

 

Examples of these behaviors include frequent hand-washing, checking the stove or doors, and arranging objects in a specific pattern.

 

Not everyone with OCD has the full range of symptoms.

Some individuals may only have compulsion symptoms, while others may only have obessisve symptoms.

 

 

 

 

Is It Worth Getting Diagnosed With OCD?

 

The answer to this question is “Yes!”

 

One reason it is so important to obtain a professional diagnosis is OCD can interfere with your life.

The symptoms can affect your personal relationships, your job, and your health.

 

A second reason is the need to obtain appropriate treatment.

If OCD is not treated, it can worsen.

 

A third reason is needing support from people in your life.

After you have been diagnosed, your friends and family members may be compassionate and helpful.

 

 

Fourth, a diagnosis of OCD can result in eligibility for financial assistance.

Your doctor may advise you to apply for SSDI, and provide provide medical documentation of your condition.

 

 

 

 

What Happens If You Get Diagnosed With OCD?

 

When you are diagnosed with OCD, you may feel relieved that your problems have a name.

 

You may also feel worried that this mental illness will cause problems in your life.

Fortunately, there are treatments for OCD.

 

First, there are medications that can relieve OCD symptoms.

The most effective are SRI drugs.

Commonly used as antidepressants, they can relieve OCD symptoms as well as depression.

 

Second, Cognitive Behavior Therapy can be effective in treating OCD.

Exposure and Response Prevention is the CBT that is commonly used for OCD.

 

 

 

 

Is OCD A Mental Ilness Or Neurological Disorder?

 

A neurological disorder is a medical condition that affects the central nervous system.

Examples include seizures, tumors, and infections.

While OCD does affect the brain, it is generally described as a mental illness.

 

 

 

 

Who Is Most Diagnosed With OCD?

 

OCD is a common mental illness that affects people of all ages, and from all backgrounds.

In general, OCD appears either during the pre-teen years or in late adolescence.

 

However, it can begin at any age.

 

During these years, as well as one’s lifetime in general, it is more common in girls and women than in boys and men.

 

 

 

 

What Is The Root Cause Of OCD?

 

OCD can be caused by a number of factors. First, it may be caused by biology.

There may be changes in your brain functions, or natural chemistry in your body.

 

Second, genetics may play a role in developing this condition.

 

Third, OCD behaviors can be learned.

A person can learn compulsive behaviors or obsessive fears from family members who show these symptoms.

 

There are also factors that can result in a higher risk of developing Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.

One risk factor is having a close relative who has OCD.

 

A second risk factor is having another mental health condition. Third, a stressful or traumatic experience may trigger OCD.

 

 

 

 

What Do People With OCD Struggle With?

 

It can be difficult to cope with any mental illness.

Individuals with OCD may find people in their lives avoid them or treat them poorly because they do not understand the symptoms. Individuals may feel bad about themselves because they cannot control the symptoms on their own.

 

They may develop low self-esteem, and feel abnormal.

They can become isolated and lonely.

 

 

All of these struggles can cause symptoms to worsen.

 

A person may try to escape with alcohol or drugs, or with self-harm.

 

He or she may even attempt or complete suicide.

 

 

When treatments for OCD are readily available, it is essential to obtain a diagnosis as soon as you notice symptoms.

 

Only a qualified mental health professional can make an accurate diagnosis.

 

 

Whether you or a loved one is experiencing obsessions, compulsions, or both, make an appointment for an evaluation.

 

Instead of these struggles, you or your loved one can have a happier, healthier life.

Source:

https://impulsetherapy.com/is-ocd-classified-as-a-disability/

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/obsessive-compulsive-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20354432

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/obsessive-compulsive-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20354432

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd

https://centrichealthcare.org/what-is-a-neurological-disorder/

https://iocdf.org/about-ocd/ocd-treatment/

https://www.ocduk.org/ocd/clinical-classification-of-ocd/dsm-and-ocd/

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/obsessive-compulsive-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20354432

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/obsessive-compulsive-disorder/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354438