Obstructive-Compulsive disorder in men
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Obstructive-compulsive disorder in men
Definition of topic
The obstructive-compulsive disorder is when people have periodic, undesirable thoughts or obsessions that propel them to do things repetitively or repeat a certain behavior repeatedly. (Gorrindo & Parekh, 2017).
Physiologic change
With OCD, the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex’s diminished activity is responsible for cognitive function, such as working memory and adaptation to changes in the surroundings. The Anterior cingulate cortex, responsible for attention, working memory, and action plan, is excessively activated for OCD patients. There is also pathological activation of the cortex basal ganglia loop circuits, which causes a continuous discharge of instinctive programs leading to OCD (Gaikwad, 2013).
Incidence
O.5% of men in the total population are at risk of developing OCD yearly, with most incidence evident among young men in their adolescence.
Risk factors
Age is a common risk factor for OCD. Young men from preschool to teenagers are at high risk of developing OCD, with the risk increasing if one has a family history of OCD. Also, OCD is a co-occurring mental health condition meaning that the incidence of other mental disorders such as depression and anxiety is also a risk factor for OCD incidence.
Clinical presentation
Men with OCD present obsessions typical for OCD, such as pathological doubts, aggression, somatic dysfunction, and contamination obsessions. The exhibit compulsions form recurrent counting, checking, washing, hoarding, precision, and need to ask. Contamination and aggressive obsessions are the most likely to change and vary over time, while most other symptoms stabilize, such as sexual obsessions (Gaikwad, 2014).
Treatment and outcomes
OCD in men is mainly treated through psychotherapy and medications, which may be used together to achieve effective outcomes. The medications used are mostly antidepressants, such as Anafranil, Prozac, Fluvoxamine, and Paroxetine, depending on age. The most used psychotherapy approach is cognitive-behavioral therapy. In cases where psychotherapy and medications are not sufficient, other treatment interventions include deep brain stimulation, transcranial magnetic stimulation, and intensive outpatient and residential treatment programs (Mayo, Clinic Staff, 2020).
Risk reduction
Men can reduce their risk for OCD by living generally healthier lives such as eating healthy and physical activity to help manage the anxiety and other mental conditions that pose a risk for OCD. Mental checkups would also help monitor mental health status and promote early detection and management of risks and symptoms. Health checkups also ensure one is familiar with the family history and its risks to ensure awareness. Risk can also be reduced through seeking counseling beforehand when in distress or in cases of extreme life events that may cause psychological distress. OCD in men is more significant because men are hesitant to acknowledge and getting help for life issues.
Social determinants of health
Economic status and socio-cultural factors underline the incidence of OCD in men. Cultural values, beliefs, and practices have suppressed the ability of men to seek mental health help. Young boys are socialized to be unexpressive and to handle their issues as men and be tough. The socialization blocks the will to seek help or accept help. Family conflicts, violence, and inadequate parenting are also linked to OCD development. Economic factors such as job insecurity, unemployment, low income, and poor living conditions also influence mental health disorders (Helathy People, 2020). Frequent screening of mental health and empowerment for men towards their health and well-being is advocated to ensure OCD prevention and effective management.
References
Gorrindo, T., & Parekh, R. (2017). What is obstructive-compulsive disorder? American Psychiatric Association. Retrieved from https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/ocd/what-is-obsessive-compulsive-disorder
Gaikwad, U. (2014). Pathophysiology of obsessive-compulsive disorder: affected brain regions and challenge towards the discovery of novel drug treatment. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder—the Old and the New Problems.
Mayo Clinic Staff (2020). Obstructive-Compulsive disorder. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/obsessive-compulsive-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20354432
Healthy people (2020). Mental Health and mental disorders. Retrieved from https://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/topics-objectives/topic/mental-health-and-mental-disorders