Obsessive Compulsive Disorders

Introduction

This is an illness which traps individuals in seemingly endless cycles of repetitive thoughts that would not leave their minds (obsession) and forces the individual to indulge in repetitive actions (compulsions). This is not an uncommon disorder. Typical Obsessions and Compulsions

• Fear of contamination and washing
• Checking
• Fear of harming self or others
• Counting or repeating
• Collecting and hoarding
• Odd movements.

Treatment

• SSRI Tab Depex (Fluxetine)20mg PO OD, (Fluxetine and Fluoxamine) and clomipramine (TCA) are effective. The dosage needs to be raised to the optimum level to obtain the desired effect
• To relieve anxiety, anxiolytics can be given.
• Many types of behavior therapy techniques like thought stopping, response prevention is very helpful, especially when tried along with drugs.
• Psychotherapy may be helpful in early cases.