Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Overview

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental disorder whose main symptoms are recurrent obsessive thoughts or compulsive actions. Patients have obsessions and compulsive behaviors used to suppress those obsessions. Obsessions are intrusive thoughts severe enough to affect normal life, causing marked distress or anxiety, which patients try to relieve through ritualistic compulsive behaviors.

Symptoms

• Recurrent obsessive thoughts
• Repeated checking
• Excessive cleaning
• Anxiety
• Difficulty controlling

Treatment

Seeking professional psychiatric help is recommended, mainly with cognitive behavioral therapy, especially exposure and response prevention, combined with necessary medication. Treatment must be sustained.

Dietary advice

Eat a regular, balanced diet, reduce caffeine intake, and ensure adequate nutrition to support treatment.