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Learn To Identify OCD Before You Get Hurt

We have all heard of OCD. We often use this term to make fun of someone who seems very keen on keeping things organized and in the right place. However, this is not actually what OCD is. 

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is a real psychological disorder that can manifest in people of any age or social-economic background. Because most people do not know what Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is, there could be many individuals who are living with OCD without realizing it. Untreated OCD can worsen and reach a stage where it can take a significant time from a person’s routine that it may affect their work and personal life.

What exactly is OCD?

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is a cycle of obsessions and compulsions. It traps an individual into performing a series of activities (compulsions) that they cannot control in response to recurring ideas, thoughts, or feelings (obsessions).

While it may not sound grave and dangerous, even mild levels of OCD can really interfere with and affect the quality of a person’s life and social interactions. 

The thoughts or sensations (obsessions) that come unwanted to the person’s mind are persistent and the behaviour they provoke (compulsion) is rigid. Not acting on those obsessions can cause tremendous discomfort, anxiety and distress to the person. They have no choice but to perform certain activities (like constant hand washing, other rituals or cleaning things).

Some people with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder realize that their obsessions are not always realistic, while others don’t (in psychological jargon this is called ‘limited insight’). Even for the people who are aware of the irrationality of the obsessions, it is not possible to dissociate themselves from the thoughts that trigger compulsions. 

At some point in their lives, everyone may experience obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviour to a mild grade. But that does not mean that we all have short-lived Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. For a person to be clinically diagnosed with OCD, the obsessions need to be extreme and the compulsive behaviour that results must take up at least 1 hour of the day. Not giving in to the compulsive actions to relieve the obsessions will cause immense distress. 

Why does OCD lead to physical injuries?

Certain compulsive behaviour in response to obsessions can cause minor to major injuries. Constant hand washing, rubbing of the skin with a cloth, self-medicating out of irrational fears of germs and bacteria, ritualistic compulsions and ticks while driving, etc. can cause damage to a person’s health.

OCD can also cause psychological injuries. People with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder are misunderstood and mocked. Hence they often feel alone and alienated. They are forced to become reclusive. This may in turn lead to depression

How to recognize if you have OCD?

The best way to know if you or people you know have OCD is to consult a psychiatrist if your daily routine or activities look unusual to you or are pointed out as abnormal by your family members. Let’s learn more Obsessive Compulsive Disorder symptoms. 

Here is a list of some common obsessions that may be experienced in different types of OCD-

ContaminationFear of-Germs, bacteria, viruses. Environmental pollutants, Bodily fluids, Dirt and mud. Household chemicals like paint
Causing harmFear-of-Harming someone such as by carelessly dropping a banana peel to the floor, or leaving a water spill. Damaging a property by accidentally starting a fire. Facilitating a burglary by forgetting to lock the doors
Unwanted thoughtsSexual thoughts and reactions that seem forbidden or perverse to the person, Fears about being sexually aggressive towards someone.
Obsessions of a religious/spiritual natureFears-of-Offending God, Hurting others’ religious sentiments, Making wrong moral decisions
Loss of controlFears of-Doing something impulsive that may harm others, Hurting oneself, Aggressive or violent thoughts and images that come unbidden to one’s mind. Cursing or swearing in public
PerfectionismObsessed with-Keeping things organized, exact and even. Remembering everything or needing to know everything, Fears-of-Forgetting vital information, Losing objects. Not being able to decide what to discard and what to store

Here is a list of compulsions

Constant cleaningWashing or sanitizing hands constantly, Frequent showering, Brushing teeth every few hours. Cleaning household objects repetitively. Activities to counter any possible contact with contaminants
Repeatedly checking and confirmingConstantly checking if-Doors are locked, Electrical switches are off when leaving the house. All essentials are with the person when he/she leaves the house. Did not do anything that might physically harm someone else, Did not make any errors or mistakes
Repeated actionsRegular activities like closing or opening doors, walking in or out of the room, Ticks like blinking, touching something or tapping. Rearranging things until they feel satisfied, Constantly praying to God for forgiveness. Doing something in multiples such as closing a door 3 times because three might be a good or lucky number 
Other compulsionsCounting steps while walking, Counting while doing something, Establishing rigid non-bendable routines

What is to be done?

Conclusion

Seek help if you think that you or your loved ones have Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. It can be severely restrictive to a happy and healthy lifestyle and can also take a toll on the person’s financial, personal and professional life. Most people keep on struggling with this disorder without even knowing that it can be managed well by a psychiatrist. There is a way you can integrate into society by bringing the disorder under control and that is therapy and medication.

Also Read: What is Trypophobia: A Deep Dive into the Fear of Holes

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

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What Happens If You Bite Your Fingernails?

Nail biting, a common habit in about 20-30% of the population, can be caused by stress, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or just being bored. It can be a temporary behaviour, but it can also develop into a severe, long term problem. Nail biting, medically termed as Onychophagia, can be characterized by seemingly uncontrollable nail-biting that is destructive to fingernails as well as the surrounding tissue.  

What happens if you bite your nails? 

People who frequently bite their nails may experience both psychological and physical symptoms like: 

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Why do we bite our nails? 

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Nail biting when encountered in healthy children is usually temporary and does not last very long. Educating children, parents, teachers, and siblings could be helpful, applying bitter nail polish, bandages or gloves temporarily can help as well in some cases.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D.

What are the long-term effects of nail-biting?

A lot of people have nervous habits such as pacing or fidgeting.  While a lot of these are harmless, but nail-biting when stressed or anxious exposes you to several ailments. 

Your nails are an ideal dwelling place for several germs. When you bite your nails, these bacteria travel from the mouth to the gut, causing stomach infections that lead to diarrhoea and abdominal pain.

It may seem harmless, but it can increase the risk of bacterial or fungal infection entering your blood, and that could lead to cold or flu.

If you bite off a big piece of your nail, you can expose the delicate skin under your nail to any bacteria or pathogens in your mouth. One of the most common infections called paronychia causes pain, redness and pus-filled lumps.

Your saliva’s chemical composition allows it to break down fat and other food molecules. While that aids your digestion, but it can also damage and inflame the skin of your fingertips if you are constantly jamming them in your mouth. 

Your nails have a layer, called the matrix, from where the nail grows. Biting can damage this matrix, causing nail deformities or chronic ingrown nails.

If you pick warts, contagious material can get into your nails and when you touch your face or neck, you can end up with warts on your neck and face.

Chronic nail biting can deform or destroy the sockets that hold your teeth. It can also fracture your teeth and trigger gum diseases. Also, it doesn’t leave your hand looking aesthetically pleasing but rather more damaged. 

Not all nail biting is pathological, and the difference between harmful obsession and normal behavior is should always be done. Sometimes it’s classified as impulse control disorder.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
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How can you stop biting your nails? 

You may not be able to change your habit overnight, but with a little time and effort, you’re sure to overcome it. 

Also Read: Brittle Nails: Causes, Symptoms, and Proven Solutions

Disclaimer: The above information has been prepared by a qualified medical professional and may not represent the practices followed universally. The suggestions listed in this article constitute relatively common advice given to patients, and since every patient is different, you are advised to consult your physician, if in doubt, before acting upon this information. Lupin Limited has only facilitated the distribution of this information to you in the interest of patient education and welfare. 

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