OCD

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

Those who have OCD 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 OCD.

Medical Impact of OCD

While those who have OCD are not susceptible to specific medical complications, OCD can create major disruptions in an individual's life and make it difficult to hold a job and have healthy social relationships.

Signs of OCD

Obsessions common to those with OCD 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 OCD compulsions 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 OCD 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.

Causes of OCD

Researchers believe that OCD, 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 OCD, but factors including head trauma, trauma during childbirth, epilepsy or other serious illnesses, may contribute to the development of OCD.

Treatment of OCD

OCD 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 OCD patients to resist their obsessions and compulsions. Once OCD patients resist their obsessions and see that the consequences they fear do not take place, they begin to recover from their OCD.

Helping Someone with OCD

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

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