Obsessive-compulsive disorder is an anxiety disorder in which people have unwanted and repeated thoughts, feelings, ideas, sensations (obsessions) that make them to do some repetitive behavior or mental act (compulsions).

The person knows that obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviours are irrational but he is unable to resist them. Theses obsessive thoughts are anxiety provoking and cause distress to the person. To reduce this anxiety person performs compulsive act or behaviour. But this only provides temporary relief. If he doesn’t perform compulsive act then it can increase anxiety.

The obsessions or compulsions are time consuming and significantly interferes with the person's normal routine, occupational, academic functioning, usual social activities or relationships.

Causes of OCD

Genetic
Research suggests that OCD has a strong genetic component that it runs in families. Generally, people who have relatives with OCD are at a higher risk of developing the disorder.

Chemical Imbalance
There is an imbalance of some chemicals in the brain which is said to be the causative factor behind OCD. Inadequacy of Serotonin can cause OCD.

Thinking Pattern
A person with rigid and moralistic personality traits find it difficult to put off his negative thinking and such person is more prone to have OCD.

Common Obsessive thoughts are

• Recurrent and persistent thoughts, impulses or images
• Person find it difficult to control his thoughts, impulses or images and try to reduce it by some action or behavior
• Fear of losing his own belongings
• Fear of being contaminated by germs or dirt
• Fear of causing harm to self and others
• Order or symmetry- the idea that everything must line up just as they want
• Superstitions excessive attention to something considered lucky or unlucky
• Common Compulsive behaviors are
• Spending a lot of time washing or cleaning
• Excessive double-checking of things, such as locks, appliances, and switches
• Repeatedly checking in on loved ones to make sure they’re safe
• Counting, tapping, repeating certain words, or doing other senseless things to reduce anxiety
• Ordering or arranging things
• Praying excessively or engaging in rituals triggered by religious fear
• Accumulating “junk” such as old newspapers ,magazines, empty food containers of which the person has no use

Treatment
Cognitive/behavioral therapists help patients change the negative styles of thinking and behaving that are often associated with the anxiety involved with obsessive compulsive disorder.

Behavioral therapy and Exposure therapy helps to deal with compulsive behaviour in OCD patient

Role of Homoeopathy
Homoeopathy has excellent role in treating OCD. Right Homoeopathic medicine will reduce intensity and intrusiveness of thoughts or urge (obsession) so automatically it will reduce behavior/action (compulsion).

OCD is result of imbalance in neurotransmitter. Homoeopathy plays an important role in neutralizing such imbalance and helps most cases of emotional affections. It helps by either harmonizing emotional vulnerability by influencing chemical and hormonal imbalances.

OCD run in families. So a person has higher chances of developing OCD whose first degree relatives’ i.e. his parents or siblings have it. Homoeopathy recognizes importance of root cause such as genetic and inherited factors as a root of any ailment of the body.

Homoeopathy is the only method which will treat these hereditary tendencies.

Homoeopathy also has good scope in treating anxiety that comes along with OCD.

Stress full event can trigger obsessive and compulsive behaviours and it often makes it worst. Homoeopathy cannot eliminate these stressful events but will prepare the individual to fight with stress more effectively.

Homoeopathic treatment for OCD studies the patient's physical, mental, emotional and aspects. Thus, a complete analysis of the individual is done in terms of personality, intellectual level, lifestyle, relationships, genetic history and other causes that are likely to trigger anxiety.

Constitutional remedies’ are remedies selected upon the patient’s genetic and mental make-up, personality and lifestyle. Constitution Homoeopathic medicine given at right time will reduce symptom of OCD.

Homoeopathic medicines are completely safe, gentle and effective and are non habit-forming. They act effectively on adults, children and pregnant women.

Homoeopathic medicines should be taken after consultation from a Homoeopathic practitioner only. Lastly, with adequate counseling and psychotherapy as an adjunct to homeopathy, patients can be effectively helped out of their OCD to lead a normal, joyful and satisfactory life.

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