There is more to Obsessive Compulsive Disorder than just an individual who do his task paying extreme attention on details, doing things in an extra careful manner, exhibits a meticulous behavior or is have a perfectionist attitude towards things. OCD illness is composed of two parts, having obsessive thoughts which include anxiety, worry or fear and doing compulsive, time-consuming actions to stop their obsessive thoughts. Although the ritual may make the anxiety go away temporarily, the person must perform the ritual again when the obsessive thoughts returns.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is one of the most common mental disorders. It is the combination of repetitive thoughts that makes the person anxious, worried or fearful on certain things and the need to do things in a certain manner that aims to reduce the anxiety, fear or worry and at the same time will satisfy the person, thus the compulsive behaviors. This happens because their brain has a problem with the way it deals with normal fear worry and doubts. Studies shows that OCD illness is caused either by the dysfunction of certain parts of the brain, genetically acquired or developed because of depression.
Symptoms of OCD may include but not limited to
– Fear of Dirt or Germs
– Fear of causing harm to others
– Need of Order on things
– Fear to behave in an unacceptable manner
– Need to do things right
And their compulsive behaviors include:
– Repetitive shower or washing of hands
– Making a call certain number of times
– Repeatedly checking things
– Constantly arranging things in a certain way
– Collecting items that are of no value to others
Advancement of science and its applications also advances treatment for OCD illness. These days treatment includes medication (the intake of antidepressants), Family or Group Therapy and Cognitive-Behavioral therapy.
Living with OCD can be difficult. The compulsive behavior takes a lot of effort, consumes time and disrupts normal activities. Some feel ashamed to mingle with people because they know that what they are doing seems to be foolish or pointless to others. Others tried to stop giving into their obsessions; they feel powerless to do so. The more pressure is applied to stop a particular compulsion; high chances are it will make the behavior worse. Negative comments and criticism won’t help in dealing with these kind of people. Remember, they already have a lot of things going through their minds and consume much energy to do things right or perfectly. Giving criticism will make them think that what they have done are not yet enough which will only make them more obsessive to do things and make their behaviors worse. Praising them for every compulsive behavior they have successfully resisted, coupled with patience and understanding will greatly help them cope with their OCD illness.
Reinhardt Cody is an OCD specialist. He’s been curing OCD illness for a very long time. And have cured many OCD sufferers in the entire time of his practice.