It’s common for people to experience that something is not perfect in the environment, but if such a thought becomes an obsession or intrusive enough causing distress, then it qualifies for an OCD. In India, the lifetime prevalence of this disorder is around 2-3% and affects men and women equally. It can occur at any age but usually starts at around the age of 20. Many doctors in Gurugram, in Haryana, are seeing a significant rise in OCD patients. Around 50% of the new cases are reported in children in the age bracket of eight to 12 years. Patients are experiencing intrusive and distressing recurring thoughts due to the pandemic.
Dr. Preeti Singh, senior clinical psychologist, and psychotherapist in Paras Hospitals, Gurugram, has seen some worst symptoms in adults during the lockdown and unlock phases. But, what baffles them is the growing trend of OCD among children. They haven’t seen an 8-year-old child suffering from OCD earlier. The pandemic and its restrictions have made people more prone to this mental disorder and aggravating their conditions. There’s a need for treatment to bring more successful outcomes with early intervention and appropriate care.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic there is an uptick in cases of OCD as challenges for people suffering from OCD have grown manifold. Dr. Akshay Budhraja, Senior Pulmonologist at Aakash Healthcare, New Delhi, said people around 35 years and above are more prone to obsessive disorders as they are precisely following the hygiene guidelines to combat the risk of infection. They are stressed because of their obsessive behavior. This is the reason why they have decided to seek professional help.
The treatment for OCD starts by addressing non-OCD symptoms, which otherwise reduce a patient’s ability to fight. It may include stress, anxiety, or depression. But, there is hope for people struggling with OCD through timely and effective treatment. Many people have seen significant improvement who put in their required effort. The results are even better when treatment is sought at the best rehabilitation centers in India. In these centers, there are experienced doctors, psychologists, psychiatrists, nurses, and other medical professionals who work together to create an individualized treatment for the patients.
Here are some of the best OCD treatments available in India:
Newer types of CBT treatment include acceptance and commitment therapy helping patients to look at thoughts and feelings as temporary experiences that don’t need to be controlled. Even online Cognitive Behavioral Therapy programs can be as effective for some people just like in-person therapy programs.
While other therapies are usually completed in 8-12 weeks, treating OCD takes time. Time often translates into cost when it comes to healthcare. If the person doesn’t have access to healthcare coverage, he/she must look for accessible rehab centers that come under income level or offer a sliding fee scale to patients. However, the routine counseling sessions for OCD treatment are not that costly.
OCD often goes untreated because people think it is normal. The fact is- it’s not. The consequences of not seeking treatment may prove costly over time. People don’t have to deal with symptoms of OCD on their own. A good rehab center can be a transformative and empowering source in their lives.
At Athena Behavioral Health, we believe in raising awareness and successfully treating people who have mental health disorders. Our drive to relentlessly help people overcome their condition is what motivates us to keep contributing. Reach us on our 24/7 helpline number- 9289086193 or chat online with our executives to get further details about our OCD treatment programs or any other assistance.