How can ocd affect people

This helps with symptoms of OCD and reduces anxiety and depression. Fluoxetine is one of these drugs which can be given to children and young people. Drug treatment usually starts to work in about 4 - 6 weeks and can continue for up to a year, depending on advice from a doctor. The first thing to do is to see your doctor. They will usually be able to arrange for you to see a psychiatrist or psychologist who specialises in treating OCD.

It also helps to talk about your feelings. In the meantime, try to make sure you're looking after yourself and getting the basics right.

Health and Wellbeing. Reach out for support and help for yourself If you live with someone with OCD, it is likely you will need some support and help for yourself. Attend a support group for families and friends in similar situations. Attend education and skills groups for carers of people with OCD. Seek out information or workshops on stress management, relaxation and mindfulness meditation, and healthy living.

If your physical or emotional health is suffering, seek professional help for yourself — short-term counselling and support can be found through your GP, local community health centre, or a private psychologist. Take time out for yourself whenever possible and try to maintain hobbies and outside interests.

Assist them to be fully informed about effective treatments, including medication and psychological therapy. Information about available options can help alleviate many of the fears that people with OCD have about treatment, such as: how the treatments work, what is expected of the person, how long it should take, what self-management strategies can improve recovery, and how these treatments have helped others with OCD.

Encourage them to seek treatment from a professional who is experienced in treating OCD. Fears and worries about treatment may be exacerbated if the person with OCD is exposed to an incompetent or inappropriate treatment service. Emphasise that knowing when to seek help is actually a sign of strength, not weakness.

Seek advice from professionals and support groups on your own, if necessary. If you think the person is in danger of harming themselves or someone else, call your doctor, local mental health service crisis assessment team or the police dial More information here. Give feedback about this page. Was this page helpful?

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How Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Affects the Brain Understanding how obsessive compulsive disorder affects the brain can help you manage the condition and make treatment more effective. Read More. What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder? Compulsions can include: Counting things over and over again Excessive washing and cleaning Arranging things in a particular or symmetrical way Checking and rechecking such as continually checking that the door is locked or that the oven is off Erasing, rewriting, or re-doing things Repeating words, phrases, or questions more Touching, tapping, or stepping in an unusual or certain way Mental compulsions such as counting and praying Frequent, excessive reassurance-seeking e.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Can Cause Communication Problems in the Brain Researchers know that obsessive-compulsive disorder is a result of communication problems in the brain. Generally, areas of the brain that have high amounts of grey matter help you: Control impulses Manage your senses Process information, thoughts, and feelings Develop, regulate, and exhibit motor skills like talking, writing, reaction time, balance, coordination, and drawing Unfortunately, obsessive-compulsive disorder diminishes the amount of grey matter in the brain, making people with OCD less able to control their impulses.

Gyri are the folds or bumps in the brain. The superior frontal gyrus helps regulate and mediate cognitive functions. Having less grey matter in this part of the brain prevents people with OCD from responding logically to obsessive thoughts. Diminished grey matter in this region of the brain also stops the brain from suppressing impulsive responses and habits, making people with OCD feel like they have to continue their compulsions and rituals. Medial orbitofrontal cortex.

A subregion of the prefrontal cortex, the medial orbitofrontal cortex, or mOFC, plays an important role in the decisions you make. Less grey matter in the mOFC weakens this part of the brain, making you unable to suppress sudden thoughts, allowing obsessive worries and fear to overwhelm your mind. Frontal operculum. In healthy brains, the frontal operculum helps determine how you think, process, and plan your behavior.

Unfortunately, OCD reduces the amount of grey matter in this part of the brain, triggering the compulsive, unplanned behavior people with OCD often display.