Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic mental illness that can take over the life of the person affected. OCD compels the individual to have excessive thoughts (known as obsessions), leading to compulsive behaviors. Although OCD cannot be cured, it can be treated.
Unwanted, intrusive thoughts or urges can trigger stress in an individual with OCD. While many who do not have the disorder can simply ignore these thoughts, for someone with OCD, they are very real fears that can feel inescapable at times. When these thoughts overwhelm a person with OCD, one attempts to rid themselves of the thoughts by carrying out small actions. Compulsions can be viewed as a way for the affected to feel more in control and decrease distressing feelings.
Do not let OCD take control of your life, take control of it. OCD treatment can help you reach a place of mental stability and independence.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder can affect a person of any age or walk of life. If you see signs of OCD in your child, schedule an appointment as soon as you can. Catching these destructive compulsions early on can help your child lead a healthier lifestyle. OCD treatment can help one learn how to recognize and control obsessive thoughts, so the earlier an individual receives treatment, the better.
Worrying is one thing, but obsessive thoughts that lead to compulsions are another. If you are experiencing one or more of the following obsessions daily, it may be time to seek OCD treatment.
Germaphobia and contamination
Obsessive fear of contamination occurs often with those who have OCD. Obsessive-compulsive disorder is frequently characterized by extreme aversion to environmental contaminants (like asbestos and radiation), germs and disease (such as herpes or the common cold), household chemicals, dirt and bodily fluids. Coming into contact with all these can distress anyone, but for someone with OCD, the fear of contamination is elevated to the point of obsession.
Religious obsessions
A pattern of concern over offending God or blasphemy plays a big role in OCD. This could also mean obsessions with choosing the right path over the wrong path and constantly considering the option not chosen as the better choice.
Harm
This could mean envisioning harm to yourself or loved ones. This does not necessarily mean someone with OCD is wishing harm upon anyone, but rather is afraid that harm might befall an individual. Usually, these obsessions are unfounded and not connected to daily experiences. Excessive worry pertaining to harm or death is a common theme within the scope of OCD.
Perfectionism
Fear of missing details or losing important information when throwing something out can pervade the minds of those with OCD. Discarding objects becomes a difficult decision. Concern over losing track of things is another common symptom of OCD.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder can be managed but not cured completely. It is a chronic disorder, but learning how to control obsessions and compulsions starts with self-care and therapy.
OCD treatment consists of talk therapy, behavioral therapy and sometimes use of medication to subdue compulsions. Cognitive behavioral therapy, a type of psychotherapy, is an effective treatment for OCD. Exposure and response prevention, sometimes incorrectly referred to as immersion therapy, involves gradually exposing one to an obsession to decrease its impact on your mental state.
OCD treatment begins with learning healthy ways to cope with your anxiety. We can help you take back your life and lessen the effects of your OCD.