Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Posted by Tina Cannon PhD LMHC in OCD on 01-03-2009
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) involves anxious thoughts, intrusive thoughts, unwelcome or persistent images, or a compulsion to engage in certain rituals. The disturbing thoughts or images associated with OCD are called obsessions and the rituals that are performed to try to prevent them are called compulsions. Performing the rituals provides a temporary relief from the anxiety a person with OCD feels. For example, if you are obsessed with germs or dirt, you may have the compulsion to wash your hands over and over again. You may check and re-check things like locking the door, leaving the stove on or counting, always for a certain number of times. Some people have to place things in order and it bothers them if it is out of place.
People in general can relate with checking the stove or the door a few times before leaving the house, but when the activity consumes a lot of time or interferes with daily life, it may be OCD. It afflicts about 4 million adult Americans. It can be seen in children, adolescents and young adults. It affects men and women equally. Symptoms can vary in individuals and they can also ease or worsen over time.
Depression, eating disorders or other anxiety disorders can accompany OCD. It can also cause a person to isolate themselves from others or even create a health concern for those whose become compulsive hoarders.
OCD responds well to treatment with both medication and psychotherapy. We will talk more about symptoms and treatment of OCD in another post.
www.ocdsymptoms.co.uk – extensive advice about ocd causes and treatments
