Understanding Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Do you have this urge to check the door if it is locked over and over again? Do you think that your hands are dirty and have the urge to wash it frequently? You may be suffering from an obsession. Obsessions are unwanted thoughts and fears that often repeat. These thoughts can be frightening and if you fight it can be one of the causes of anxiety . Often it is the worry that makes matters worse. Compulsion are repetitive activities that you thing that ought to do. You need to put things right to relieve you of the anxiety . If you been obsessed and compulsive it is time to learn about it so you can finally get a lid on it.

Is it common?

Minor obsessions and compulsion are common. We worry and sometimes we worry too much. We wonder if we already shut the gas already or turned off the A/C. But it becomes a problem when the compulsion and obsession has turned your life chaotic. It is only when your obsession has lead you to be worried a lot to the point of being depressed will it become a problem. People with OCD may exhibit panic attacks and anxiety symptoms like no other.

What causes it?

There are many theories about how OCD impacts the quality of life. None of the theories so far have really explained thoroughly to explain why OCD occurs. One theory suggests that it may come from exaggerated belief that there is something horrible that will happen if you neglect to do things. People develop a compulsion to do and counteract that horrible thing from happening. This cycle can give birth to OCD symptoms. Other theories suggest that OCD is developed through rough personal experience. It is possible that the bad experience runs in the family . It is possible that you inherited the bad experience that caused you to develop OCD.

Is all in the mind?
It is unclear if physical causes lead to OCD. There are suggestions that low levels of serotonin in the brain can cause OCD. There is a wide debate regarding this claim because experts have yet to understand how a chemical deficiency can cause this kind of negative behavior . Some claim that genetic factors and malfunctioning parts of the brain can be tagged as the reason for the development of OCD. Yet there is no conclusive and unimpeachable reason for the causes of OCD.

How do I know?
Consulting your doctor would be the first step. A primary care physician, that is you family doctor can refer you to a specialist that can help diagnose whether you are suffering from OCD. The diagnosis often is based on a certain criteria that can tell whether you have OCD. It can be as simple as asking questions that show obsessive and compulsive behavior . It is important that you set aside the social stigma of submitting to the care of a psychiatrist or a mental health professional. You will not be getting any relief if you will continue to consider yourself as a basket case.

What are the treatments?
Cognitive behavior therapy is one of the most utilized treatments against OCD. It is a way to identify your thoughts and feelings and how to effectively manage them. The CBT can be done individually or as a group. The use of CBT has been highly successful against the treatment of OCD. Exposure response prevention is another treatment used to manage OCD. It would help you overcome the urge by putting you in situations that can cause compulsive and obsessive behavior. This may cause a lot of anxiety and stress and you need to understand that it is part of the therapy process which you will be doing together with your therapist.

How can I help myself?
If you happen to suffer from OCD which is a probability since you are reading this article, there are lots of things you can do. Aside from using medications that your doctor would be prescribing you can also join support groups. You can also use relaxation techniques which can help you cope with symptoms of anxiety that may come about during stressful situations.

OCD can be beaten. You need to overcome the embarrassment and shame that happen often with patient that seeks help. Your family and friends will have a significant role to perform towards your recovery. Together you can work towards dealing with OCD better today and tomorrow.