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What happens when compulsive thoughts keep intruding, or when it is difficult to stop doing certain things?
What is a ritual?
The word “ritual” is often used in connection with religion. It is a recurring sequence of behavior. Each of us has certain rituals. Things that we have become accustomed to and that we like to hold on to. Examples of this would be the good-night kiss from your parents when you are a child, without which you cannot fall asleep, or the look in the mirror before you leave the house.
Rituals bring structure to everyday life. Familiar and familiar daily routines contribute to our well-being. They give us a sense of security.
What is a compulsion?
In contrast to a ritual, which we can also consciously omit or change, a compulsion, as the name suggests, is something we are forced to do in a certain way.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a mental illness. There are different types of OCD and the intensity in which it occurs is also usually quite different. A typical example would be compulsive washing. For example, sufferers have to wash their hands extremely often and live in constant fear of catching diseases from dirty hands.
Perhaps you are also one of the many people who, before leaving the house, check that all appliances are switched off. This behavior makes a lot of sense, because if you forget to turn off the cooker, a fire could break out. Some people, however, have to do this “check” of the home over and over again. The compulsion to check the appliances umpteen times before leaving the flat can become very exhausting in everyday life and severely limit the quality of life of the person affected.
How does obsessive-compulsive disorder develop?
It is not possible to clearly determine how an obsessive-compulsive disorder develops. Often, various causes come together. On the one hand, difficult events in life history can be the trigger, or certain changes in the brain or a disorder of the serotonin balance (serotonin is a messenger substance that has an influence on many bodily functions).
Can obsessive-compulsive disorder be treated?
Yes, it can. On the one hand, special medications have a positive influence on the disease, and on the other hand, psychotherapy can help, in which you learn to deal with the obsessive thoughts and actions.
For further help and support — Speak with a licensed therapist today.