What could help a person with OCD to lead a normal life?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder) which interferes with my regular day-to-day life. My boyfriend was at work today and had to clean up vomit. He was wearing gloves, did not get any on his clothes, and covered his mouth and nose with a paper towel, as well as washed his hands thoroughly after flipping the gloves inside out to take them off and throwing them away. I have not seen him or been around him since, but my concern is if the vomit was due to an illness, how likely would he be to get it? I am deathly afraid of him catching something like that, and then it being passed to me. Please help ease my fears.

Thank you.

Answered by Mehwish Mursaleen

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand that you feel concerned about the obsessive thoughts and fears regarding contamination.

The Probable causes

One of the important factors behind the Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is underline guilt.

Investigations to be done

Other instances of how OCD is interfering daily life functioning.

Differential diagnosis

Need differentiation between OCD without insight or fair insight or delusional (For professionals only).

Probable diagnosis

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.

Treatment plan

Regarding this particular fear, you can find evidence that vomit is not a contagious illness or it is not transferred to someone else. Fears are developed through negative automatic thoughts (NATs) or beliefs about contamination. The more you work on your thoughts or beliefs, the more effective it will be in reducing your fears. With the help of a clinical psychologist, you can identify your automatic thoughts/beliefs regarding your symptoms and then work out to change those NATs to positive or neutral thoughts. You will learn this process of changing your mental state in psychotherapy. Ask a psychologist for CBT. Research has shown that Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is the best treatment for relieving symptoms and dynamics of OCD.

Preventive measures

Do consult with a psychologist for your complete treatment. Research on CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) has shown that people who take CBT at the initial stage when symptoms arise, they have more chances of improvement. Whereas, delay in treatment may worsen the symptoms and there are more chances that the illness may occur again.

Regarding follow up

I hope this information is helpful for you. Do take follow-up if you feel the need. Best Regards.

Answered byMehwish Mursaleen

Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team

Published At December 11, 2023
Reviewed AtDecember 11, 2023

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Mehwish Mursaleen
Mehwish Mursaleen

Psychologist/ Counselor

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