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🧠 Rising OCD Rates in Pakistan: Understanding the Causes Behind the Trend Over the past decade, Pakistan has seen a noticeable rise in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) cases. Once considered rare or misunderstood, OCD is now being recognized as a serious mental health condition affecting people of all ages and backgrounds. But what’s causing this surge? Let’s explore the multifaceted reasons behind the increasing prevalence of OCD in Pakistan. 🔍 What is OCD? Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is a mental health condition characterized by: Obsessions: Persistent, unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that cause distress or anxiety. Compulsions: Repetitive behaviors or mental acts performed to reduce that distress or prevent a feared event. For example, someone might repeatedly wash their hands to “remove germs,” even when there’s no real contamination risk. Others may repeatedly check locks, seek reassurance, or perform religious rituals excessively. 📈 Why Are OCD Levels ...

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition that affects communication, social interaction, and behavior. In recent years, Pakistan has witnessed a noticeable increase in the reported cases of autism. While this trend may appear alarming, research shows that the rise is not due to a sudden surge in actual cases but rather to a combination of better awareness, improved diagnosis, reduced stigma, and environmental and biological factors . Why Are Autism Rates Increasing in Pakistan? 1. Improved Awareness and Recognition In the past, many children with autism were misunderstood or mislabeled as having “speech delay” or “mental retardation.” Today, parents, teachers, and doctors are better informed, leading to more accurate identification (Samad, Chaudhary, & Webb, 2017). 2. Better Diagnostic Tools and Broader Criteria The use of standardized screening tools such as the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) and internationally recogniz...