Understanding OCD: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options

Wednesday, February 19, 2025

SAEDNEWS: You’ve likely heard the term ‘OCD’ recently. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder affects people of all ages, causing irrational thoughts, worries, or doubts. While it may not be fully curable, it can be managed effectively.

Understanding OCD: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options

According to SAEDNEWS: quoting Hamshahri Online, recently, you've likely heard the term "OCD" frequently, referring to Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, which affects individuals of various ages. This disorder leads to irrational thoughts, worries, or doubts that, while not always curable, can be controlled.

Symptoms of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Persistent, unwanted thoughts, images, and worries that are highly distressing.

The need to perform repetitive actions, such as frequent hand washing or constant checking of items, to reduce anxiety caused by obsessive thoughts.

Awareness of irrational thoughts and behaviors but feeling unable to stop them.

Spending significant portions of the day dealing with these thoughts and actions.

Avoiding situations and places that might trigger obsessive thoughts.

What Causes OCD?

Currently, the exact cause of OCD is unknown, but scientists have identified several contributing factors:

  • Genetics

  • Brain changes

  • Experiencing stressful or traumatic events, especially in childhood

  • Misbeliefs and incorrect thinking about responsibility, danger, and harm

  • PANDAS syndrome (a type of autoimmune disorder in children associated with streptococcal infections)

  • Complications of OCD

  • Depression

  • Impaired daily functioning

  • Difficulties in personal and social relationships

  • Family tension and conflicts

  • Physical harm, such as infections

  • Sleep problems

  • Tendency to use alcohol or drugs

  • Avoiding social situations and staying home

Where to Seek Treatment for OCD

For accurate diagnosis and timely treatment of OCD, consult a specialist in neurology and psychiatry (Psychiatrist).

Duration of OCD Treatment

Most individuals need to follow the treatment course for at least a year. If severe symptoms subside or disappear after this period, treatment may be stopped. However, some individuals may require prescribed medications for several years.

Dietary Recommendations for OCD

Nutrition can play a significant role in managing OCD symptoms, though it should not replace specialized treatments. Foods that can improve the overall condition of those with OCD include:

  • Foods rich in Vitamin D, such as eggs, beef liver, cheese, mushrooms, milk, oats, salmon, and trout.

  • Foods containing Vitamin B12, such as meat, eggs, and dairy products.

  • Legumes, nuts, flax seeds, grains, dark chocolate, fresh fruits, and vegetables.

  • Antioxidants, such as strawberries, blueberries, walnuts, red cabbage, and raspberries.

  • Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish, chia seeds, and flax seeds.

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