Obsessive compulsive disorder, also called OCD, is a mental condition that affects the way a person's brain processes information. Anyone who has ever visited an OCD blog has probably discovered that there are two primary parts of the condition. These are, as the name of the disorder implies, obsession and compulsion.
Those suffering from the condition experience obsessions that are both uncontrollable and irrational. Thoughts of this type frequently interfere with the sufferer's ability to lead a normal life. The thoughts result in fear and anxiety that the patient attempts to alleviate through compulsive actions. Unfortunately, these actions do virtually nothing to lessen the worries of the individual, which compels the person to repeat such actions incessantly.
Many people who suffer from OCD also deal with depression. Experts state that this particular problem is caused by the stress of fighting off the obsessive thoughts and compulsive acts. It is believed that one out of every 60 individuals suffer from this disorder. The symptoms may vary in their frequency and severity, but they rarely disappear entirely.
The disorder can strike at any time throughout a person's life. Most patients report experiencing their initial symptoms at a young age. However, OCD is not usually diagnosed in children, as it is frequently mistaken for a vast array of other disorders with which most pediatricians are more familiar, such as hyperactivity or attention deficit.
Many individuals who are afflicted with the disorder lead wearisome lives. This is because the troubling thoughts and repetitive actions in which the sufferer participates often take precedence over thoughts and activities that should be more important. OCD can also place a serious strain on the family members and friends of the patient.
The compulsions experienced by affected individuals often take their toll on the person's health. For instance, certain individuals may obsess about germs and wash their hands until their skin becomes damaged. They may also refuse to eat or sleep unless certain conditions can be met. OCD can also have a significant impact on the social life of the sufferer, as his or her friends and acquaintances may not know how to react to the strange behavior in which most OCD patients participate.
It is essential to understand that having strict or extreme habits is not necessarily a sign of OCD. Someone may insist on organizing his or her closet or kitchen pantry in a particular way. However, this behavior may be nothing more than the manifestation of a simple idiosyncrasy that all people have in one form or another. The main difference between the latter and obsessive compulsive disorder is the individual's attitude with regard to his or her habits. People with OCD are performing their compulsive activities as a direct response to their obsessive fear.
Treatment is available for obsessive compulsive disorder, and usually involves both medication and counseling. It is also a good idea for sufferers to join a support group where they can vent their feelings to others who are dealing with the same condition. Visiting an OCD blog is also wise, as this is a good avenue through which helpful information on the disorder can be found. Those who suspect they are afflicted with OCD should speak to a medical doctor or psychiatrist.
Those suffering from the condition experience obsessions that are both uncontrollable and irrational. Thoughts of this type frequently interfere with the sufferer's ability to lead a normal life. The thoughts result in fear and anxiety that the patient attempts to alleviate through compulsive actions. Unfortunately, these actions do virtually nothing to lessen the worries of the individual, which compels the person to repeat such actions incessantly.
Many people who suffer from OCD also deal with depression. Experts state that this particular problem is caused by the stress of fighting off the obsessive thoughts and compulsive acts. It is believed that one out of every 60 individuals suffer from this disorder. The symptoms may vary in their frequency and severity, but they rarely disappear entirely.
The disorder can strike at any time throughout a person's life. Most patients report experiencing their initial symptoms at a young age. However, OCD is not usually diagnosed in children, as it is frequently mistaken for a vast array of other disorders with which most pediatricians are more familiar, such as hyperactivity or attention deficit.
Many individuals who are afflicted with the disorder lead wearisome lives. This is because the troubling thoughts and repetitive actions in which the sufferer participates often take precedence over thoughts and activities that should be more important. OCD can also place a serious strain on the family members and friends of the patient.
The compulsions experienced by affected individuals often take their toll on the person's health. For instance, certain individuals may obsess about germs and wash their hands until their skin becomes damaged. They may also refuse to eat or sleep unless certain conditions can be met. OCD can also have a significant impact on the social life of the sufferer, as his or her friends and acquaintances may not know how to react to the strange behavior in which most OCD patients participate.
It is essential to understand that having strict or extreme habits is not necessarily a sign of OCD. Someone may insist on organizing his or her closet or kitchen pantry in a particular way. However, this behavior may be nothing more than the manifestation of a simple idiosyncrasy that all people have in one form or another. The main difference between the latter and obsessive compulsive disorder is the individual's attitude with regard to his or her habits. People with OCD are performing their compulsive activities as a direct response to their obsessive fear.
Treatment is available for obsessive compulsive disorder, and usually involves both medication and counseling. It is also a good idea for sufferers to join a support group where they can vent their feelings to others who are dealing with the same condition. Visiting an OCD blog is also wise, as this is a good avenue through which helpful information on the disorder can be found. Those who suspect they are afflicted with OCD should speak to a medical doctor or psychiatrist.
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