Obsessive-compulsive disorder, a type of anxiety disorder, refers to a condition characterized by repetitive and persistent thoughts or behaviors that cause distress. When obsessive-compulsive disorder begins to interfere with daily life, treatment is necessary.

Professor Ji-won Lee, Department of Psychiatry at Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital, said, "Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a painful condition, but most can improve with systematic treatment with the help of professionals."

 

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is characterized by recurrent unwanted thoughts or impulses and the repetitive behaviors performed to alleviate them. According to the National Health Insurance Service, the number of patients treated for obsessive-compulsive disorder in 2019 was 30,152, with the highest prevalence among people in their 20s and 30s. Males were more affected than females.

 

The causes of obsessive-compulsive disorder are not yet fully understood, but it is known that a combination of genetics, abnormalities in brain neurotransmitters, and stress play a role. The main types include obsessive thoughts about contamination, persistent checking behaviors, organizing objects, repeating specific actions or words, and collecting items.

Obsessive thoughts about contamination are the most common form of obsessive-compulsive disorder. Repetitive compulsive behaviors such as washing, wiping, and cleaning are observed. The checking type involves repeatedly verifying whether the door was properly locked or whether the gas was turned off, due to a persistent doubt.

 

The organizing type involves arranging or organizing items in one's own way. There is also a type that repeats certain actions or words. This is also called 'obsessive consciousness,' where one must repeatedly count specific numbers, say certain words before doing something, or perform specific rituals.

 

There is a type of behavior where people collect objects. It is also called the 'saving type,' and it is a symptom where individuals cannot throw things away due to obsessive thoughts that they might need the items someday. To treat obsessive-compulsive disorder, medication and cognitive-behavioral therapy should be administered together.

 

Professor Lee said, "Obsessive-compulsive disorder increasingly interferes with daily life, so receiving appropriate treatment early on is very important. Support and understanding from family and friends also greatly aid in treatment," and added, "It is continuously necessary to raise awareness about obsessive-compulsive disorder and inform people about treatment methods."

 

=============

I have storage compartment syndrome.

I like to save and use everything.

I'm not sure if the level is excessive.

 

The standard is the degree to which it interferes with daily life.