What is the difference between Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and mania?

One of the many psychological ailments that is widely discussed in Yellow September, Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). There is no doubt: It is estimated that 2.5% of all people in the world suffer from this condition.

Despite this, many people living with the disease do not have an accurate diagnosis. After all, it can often be confused with manic behavior, which is a very similar condition.

Interested in the subject? So, keep reading and learn more about these two issues and discover the differences between them.

What is OCD?

OCD It is a psychological anxiety disorder. It is recognized by the American Psychiatric Association, which defines this disorder as: constant revolt of bouts of obsession and compulsion. It may or may not be accompanied by other complications such as bipolar disorder.

The first of these symptoms describes the situation in which the patient has persistent and repetitive thoughts. One cannot unintentionally get rid of an idea as if it were a piece of gum stuck in our brain.

To get rid of this obsession, those suffering from this disorder eventually develop ritualistic behaviors. It can be anything: biting your nails, stealing your fingers, counting your keys.

In the mind of a compulsive person, this almost random act helps prevent anxiety and eventually becomes a protocol. But the condition gets worse if left untreated. Little rituals gradually turn into a complex routine and the patient finds himself trapped in a situation with no way out.

Currently, the medical community accepts two types of OCD. The subclinical variety is the less severe one where the behaviors do not radically jeopardize the person’s routine.

But when the obsession takes over all aspects of life, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder itself emerges, which requires more urgent intervention from the specialist.

What are the symptoms of mania?

Mania, like OCD, is characterized by a repetitive habit that can be unusual, eccentric, and exaggerated. But such vicious behavior is not pathological, that is, it does not harm the life of the patient.

There may be actions connected with personal beliefs or superstitions, such as tapping wood three times to ward off bad thoughts. In some cases, it can also be the result of stress or anxiety. – for example, biting your nails – as long as they do not lead to significant consequences.

The most common, however, is that these attitudes are pervasive and even unconscious. Sleeping on the same side of the bed, taking a bath with or without a face, keeping the keys in the same place are all habits that can be considered a whim.

What is the difference between the two conditions?

The main difference between mania and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder lies in the damage that the patient’s behavior causes in his life. In general, people with OCD cannot control his actions, which tend to deteriorate.

But sometimes, what the diagnosis is for certain people may not be clear to the patient or even the specialist. That is why it is said that the best indicator to distinguish them is time.

Obsessions and compulsions are such serious conditions that the patient usually dedicates a large part of his day to them. In the case of manias, they do not require great effort and sometimes go unnoticed.

In addition, OCD creates a lot of discomfort and even suffering, especially when there is a change in routine and the person is prevented from performing the behaviors they are used to.

sometimes quirks can get out of control. In these cases, they indicate that the patient may develop OCD symptoms. or other conditions, such as burnout, which may also support certain obsessive behaviors.

However, it is important to note that Manias are so common that they can even happen to obsessive-compulsive people.coexisting with two states

For example, a person obsessed with leaving the house rituals may want to organize their wardrobe by color. The difference is that the first case is an uncontrollable habit that causes pain, while the second is nothing more than a habit.

Thus, we can conclude that Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is a serious psychological condition, while mania does not cause major problems for the patient. Persons suffering from this condition should seek out a healthcare professional and follow the prescribed treatment.

Only then will they be able to get rid of bad habits and make room for the best in life in their routine. Did you like it? Share it on your social networks!