Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Symptoms

Recognizing Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Symptoms

As the name suggests, people with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) are obsessed with certain thoughts and ideas, and compulsively perform certain rituals, which may take hours each day.

Obsessions common to those with obsessive compulsive disorder symptoms include fear of contamination, fear of making a mistake or doing something that is socially unacceptable, fear of physical inadequacy or deformity, and fear of harming themselves or others.

Common obsessive compulsive disorder symptoms include excessive cleaning, repetition of certain names or phrases, counting to a certain number, completing a series of steps in a precise order, or repeatedly checking the locations of personal items. Other compulsions associated with obsessive compulsive disorder symptoms include hoarding useless items and counting them repeatedly, being unusually slow to complete particular tasks and being meticulous about cleaning and arranging items in a certain way.

Those who have obsessive compulsive disorder symptoms may know their actions make no sense, but they feel powerless to alter their behavior, which relieves their anxiety. Millions of Americans of all ages and backgrounds have obsessive compulsive disorder symptoms.

Causes of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Symptoms

Researchers believe that obsessive compulsive disorder, like many other mental illnesses, is linked to genetics and is caused by an imbalance in the person's brain chemistry.

No one knows exactly what triggers obsessive compulsive disorder, but factors including head trauma, trauma during childbirth, epilepsy or other serious illnesses, may contribute to the development of obsessive compulsive disorder and related symptoms.

Treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive compulsive disorder can be successfully treated with medication, including antidepressants and inhibitors that counter the chemical imbalance in the brain.

Behavior therapy is also important and can teach obsessive compulsive disorder patients to resist their obsessions and compulsions. Once obsessive compulsive disorder patients resist their obsessions and see that the consequences they fear do not take place, they begin to recover from their obsessive compulsive disorder and related symptoms.

Helping Someone with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Symptoms

If you suspect you or someone you know display obsessive compulsive disorder symptoms, do something about it. Seek professional counseling immediately.

For help, contact Walden Behavioral Care at 781-647-6700 or Info@waldenbehavioralcare.com.