What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?
This is a mental illness that has gained a lot of attention in the media lately. People are more willing to talk about and learn more about it to cope with their everyday lives. It is a condition that causes people to have unwanted thoughts or urges=obsession. An example of an obsession is thinking a specific number, like seven, or a certain color like black, is related to something bad or good. It also can cause people to repeat their activities over and over again=compulsion. An example of a compulsive action is to wash your hands repetitively, like six or seven times after touching an item that they feel has germs on it. Most people have both obsessive and compulsive behavior, though some have only one or the other.
Examples of Obsessive Behaviors:
extreme need for items to be orderly, such as silverware placed properly at the dinner table or books lined up evenly on a shelf.
constant worrying about dirt and germs in the environment that they have to come in contact with.
fear of their loved ones getting injured or hurt all the time.
Examples of Compulsive Behaviors:
the need to keep tasks regimented-doing household chores in the exact sequence every time.
repetitively checking that their doors are locked, alarms are on, and lights are shut off.
always needs to count items, such as counting stairs or steps on their pathway.
Diagnosis of OCD
First, you should see your family physician. They would do a physical exam and perform some blood work to rule out any other causes of illness. They will discuss in length your feelings, thoughts and what items might have triggered these behaviors. These symptoms can interfere with your life, your ability to work or make family relationships very difficult to handle. OCD is more common in women than in men, and usually occurs in young adulthood. Children also can have OCD but don't understand why they have these actions.
A psychologist or psychiatrist can help identify and help diagnose your condition.
Treatment and Recommendations for OCD
Unfortunately, there is no cure for OCD but there are many coping mechanisms available to help lessen your anxiety about your condition. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps to change your thinking patterns and lessen your repetitive behaviors. If your symptoms are so severe that they interfere with your daily life, they can recommend aggressive outpatient treatment or inpatient treatment to learn how to cope with life and help you understand what
your triggers are that cause you to do these obsessive/compulsive behaviors. Some medications may be prescribed for you, such as Lexapro, Zoloft, Paxil, and Celexa, to help control your behaviors. Researchers are working on new medications all the time for future use.
It's important to keep yourself healthy, eat well and also get adequate sleep. You need to educate yourself about your condition because you will have it the rest of your life. It is good to educate your family members so that they understand your condition. Connect with support groups with OCD people to help you and maybe gain other coping mechanisms.
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Written by Denise Clark RN BCEN CLNC Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board