Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health disorder in which the patient suffers from frequent unwanted thoughts that are disturbing in content (called obsessions). To reduce the anxiety or distress of these repetitive thoughts, the patient performs some actions or rituals, in his brain or physically(called compulsions). It is usually a long-lasting, severe illness that begins before the age of 25 for most patients, though it can begin in childhood, adolescence or old age.
Types of OCD:
A. Obsessions: Contamination-obsessive thoughts about being contaminated by touching objects or people· Harm- fear of causing harm to others, worrying about acting on violent or aggressive impulses. · Symmetry-need for things to be symmetrical or in a particular order, arranging things till they feel “just right”. · Doubt-persistent doubts about having done something properly, fear of making mistakes. Hoarding-intrusive thoughts about keeping or acquiring possessions
B. Compulsions: Cleaning& washing- excessive hand washing or showering, avoidance of perceived contaminants. Checking repeatedly that doors are locked, appliances are turned off, and checking one’s body for signs of illness. Counting-counting objects, number of steps, or repeating actions in a certain way or a specific number of times. Arranging and rearranging objects in a precise or specific way until they are perfect. Mental rituals- repeating certain words or phrases or prayers silently for mental reassurance.
How does DTMS work for OCD?
The US-FDA approved H7 coil will introduce an electromagnetic field into the brain areas, namely the Dorsomedial Prefrontal cortex (dmPFC) and Anterior Cingulatecortex (ACC), during a 20-minute treatment session using BrainsWay’s Deep TMS system. About 60,000 electromagnetic pulses sent into the brain over 20 sessions will produce synaptic plasticity in these brain areas and help to alleviate symptoms of OCD.