Terms like Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) are often thrown away casually in today's time, used to describe the slightest knack for organisation and hygiene. However, OCD is a serious mental disorder that can be severely debilitating and damaging to mental health.
A recent study published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) found that OCD increases the risk of all-cause mortality, or death due to any particular reason. The study led by researchers from Karolinska University highlighted that non-communicable diseases and external factors, such as suicides and accidents, significantly contribute to the risk of mortality in people with OCD.
Talking to the team of OnlyMyHealth, Sanya Kataria, Clinical Psychologist, Lissun, Mental Health and Emotional Wellness Startup elucidated that knowing the early signs of OCD can help you get diagnosed on time and reduce the risk of all-cause mortality.
OCD Increases Risk Of Death
During the BMJ study, 4787 individuals with OCD passed away, showing that the mortality rate was higher among those with OCD. After considering various factors like birth year, gender, location, migration status, and socio-demographic details, it was found that people with OCD had a significantly increased risk of dying from any cause (1.82 times more), natural causes (1.31 times more), and unnatural causes (3.30 times more).
Looking closer, those with OCD faced higher risks of dying from specific natural causes like:
- Diseases related to the endocrine system
- Poor nutrition-related diseases
- Metabolic disorders
- Mental and behavioural issues
- Dysfunctional organ systems
In terms of unnatural causes, suicide had the highest risk, followed by accidents. Even after considering other mental health issues and family factors, these results remained consistent.
Also Read: How To Spot If Someone Has Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Or OCD
OCD Warning Signs
"If you experience distressing obsessions and/or compulsions that disrupt your day-to-day life, chances are you have OCD," said Kataria. Stating that the symptoms of OCD differ in type, intensity, and frequency, she listed:
Obsessions
When we say obsession, it signifies experiencing ideas, thoughts, images, or impulses regularly that are unwanted, distressing, and seemingly impossible to shake off, confirmed Kataria. "It may seem like these thoughts and ideas are beyond your control and willpower. For example, recurrent thoughts or impulses to physically harm yourself or those around you even though you know you will never act on it," she added.
Compulsions
Kataria defined compulsions as behaviours or acts that you feel you must perform even though they are unnecessarily excessive or senseless, and hard to avoid even if you try your hardest. Giving examples of compulsive behaviour, Kataria said, "Feeling an innate need to continuously check appliances, water taps, door locks several times before leaving the house, or reciting silly phrases every time you have an unpleasant thought."
Intense Anxiety And Distress
The result of these obsessions and compulsions is such that a person with OCD feels anxious, fearful, guilt-ridden, and disgusted over their inability to control their thoughts and actions, shared Kataria. "People with OCD often feel the need to act out these compulsions because they fear the outcomes of them not doing so. Additionally, they feel intense anxiety leading to emotional distress that damages their well-being and life quality," she added.
Also Read: #MentalHealthMatters: What Is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Explained By Psychologist
OCD Vs Other Mental Disorders
Singling out OCD as the diagnosis can be quite challenging as some of its symptoms may overlap with other mental disorders. To help differentiate between OCD and other disorders, Kataria shared:
Frequency and Intensity: In OCD, the obsessions and compulsions are not occasional but rather persistent and so intense that they can not be ignored and shape the course of a person's life. Intrusive and Uncontrollable: OCD obsessions are intrusive, unintentional, and uncontrollable, even though the person recognises their irrationality or immorality.
Impact on Thoughts and Beliefs: Those who have OCD often experience doubt and distorted beliefs. For example, they may be almost a vigilante in wanting to prevent harm, be excessively concerned about hygiene, or be extremely superstitious.
Also Read: Effective Ways To Manage Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
The BMJ study highlighted that to address the increase in risk of death due to OCD, it's crucial to enhance surveillance, prevention, and early intervention strategies to lower the likelihood of fatal outcomes for individuals with OCD. By being aware of the symptoms of OCD, you can do your part in furthering awareness about this mental disorder and helping those around you.