The psychologist named the differences between OCD and ordinary household habits

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is often disguised as habitual daily activities such as brushing teeth. Psychologist and psychotherapist Olga Kushnareva explained to Izvestia on September 13 how to recognize the disorder and cope with obsessive rituals.

"OCD is often disguised as everyday routine. It seems to be the usual brushing of teeth, but only strictly "in a circular direction" and only until the feeling of "perfect cleanliness". If the order is violated, the alarm goes off scale, and the person has to start all over again," the specialist said.

According to her, the main difference between normal behavior and OCD is flexibility. In everyday life, we can brush our teeth a little faster or slower, skip a step and calmly continue our business. However, for a person with OCD, any deviation from the ritual is perceived as a disaster. Until the ritual is completed "correctly", the anxiety does not let go.

Kushnareva emphasized that OCD treatment often requires a comprehensive approach.

"What helps? Cognitive behavioral therapy, where step by step a person learns to cope with anxiety without rituals; in some cases, drugs that reduce the intensity of obsessive thoughts; stress management: breathing exercises, sports, normal sleep," said the psychologist.

The sooner a person seeks help, the easier it will be to regain control and freedom. The specialist emphasized that stress and anxiety can exacerbate the symptoms of OCD, exacerbating the vicious circle: anxiety generates rituals, which leads to temporary relief, after which anxiety returns.

"OCD doesn't make a person "weird," but without support, it can seriously interfere with life. The good news is that therapy really helps to cope with rituals and brings back a sense of normal, free life," Kushnareva concluded.

June 21, psychologist at the Golden Care Center for Chronic Diseases (part of the Medscan Group of Companies) Ekaterina Kosheleva noted that people with OCD are prone to perfectionism, and some are also addicted to certain numbers and calculations. Taking antidepressants is not always necessary. Therapy is selected individually for each patient. The doctor said that people who live with a person suffering from OCD should refrain from criticism and anger towards them. Kosheleva noted that patients need to hear support in the fight against this type of disorder.

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