HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Causes The Habit Of Continuous Cleaning Of Hands?

Age-40 years female, mentally sound but continue wash her hands and force others to wash hands and everythings which is being used by family members, otherwise she ruin everythings. She has now become ferocious She has been treated for the last eighteen years in many mental Hospital in India but there is no used.We have frustrated for her behavious. Now we can't keep her with us and want a place to keep her permanently so that we can live our normal way.
Wed, 30 Jul 2014
Report Abuse
Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hi,

From what you have mentioned, the person in concern here seems to be suffering from a disorder termed Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). It is leading to her having obsessions regarding contamination and hence leading to repeated cleaning and washing and even forcing others to do it. I can understand the frustration of the family members with the current situation. But OCD is a treatable condition and you should consider getting her treated adequately rather than putting her away permanently. Getting her admitted in a psychiatric facility for a short term can be good option as it can help in intensive treatment.

Treatment with medications should be tried in combination of behavior therapy. There are multiple modes of treatment available even for resistant OCD. You can also try out specialist psychiatric centres like NIMHANS, Bangalore and PGIMER, Chandigarh for the same.

I do hope I was able to answer your query. Best wishes.
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
What Causes The Habit Of Continuous Cleaning Of Hands?

Hi, From what you have mentioned, the person in concern here seems to be suffering from a disorder termed Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). It is leading to her having obsessions regarding contamination and hence leading to repeated cleaning and washing and even forcing others to do it. I can understand the frustration of the family members with the current situation. But OCD is a treatable condition and you should consider getting her treated adequately rather than putting her away permanently. Getting her admitted in a psychiatric facility for a short term can be good option as it can help in intensive treatment. Treatment with medications should be tried in combination of behavior therapy. There are multiple modes of treatment available even for resistant OCD. You can also try out specialist psychiatric centres like NIMHANS, Bangalore and PGIMER, Chandigarh for the same. I do hope I was able to answer your query. Best wishes.