Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a sub type of anxiety disorders. Affected persons tend to have uncontrollable and undesired thoughts that frequently culminate in compulsive ritualized behaviors. Although the patients may understand that their thoughts and behaviors are irrational, they often feel that they cannot resist. There are several things concerning obsessive compulsive disorder Northwest Indiana patients will find helpful if they have been diagnosed with the condition.
There are a number of categories of patients that exist. The classification is based on the predominant pattern of symptoms. One of the groups is that of washers. These are persons that have an extreme fear for contamination. They tend to constantly clean things and wash their hands even when there is no real need for the same. The predominant symptom in the group of checkers is constant worry to keep checking that things are properly done.
Another category comprises doubters and sinners. The persons that fall under this group keep worrying that some tasks have not been done as required and are at a risk of being punished even when there is really no need to be afraid. Counters and arrangers try to achieve order and symmetry in almost everything. At times, they hold superstitions about certain numbers or colors. The last group is that of hoarders who are obsessed with hoarding things that they actually do not need.
There are a number of self-help activities that can be undertaken to alleviate the symptoms. Relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation help to keep fears at bay. This is because many of the behaviors that are seen in OCD patients are triggered by stressful events. Engage in these physical activities for at least 30 minutes daily. Regular exercise has similar benefits as it helps refocus your mind when the unwanted thoughts arise.
Diet modification is another lifestyle change that can be undertaken easily. Persons with OCD are advised to have heavy meals for breakfast and smaller, frequent meals as the day progresses. This ensures that their sugar levels remain within the normal ranges. Hypoglycemia is a common cause of stress and is something you would want to avoid at all costs.
A number of pharmacological agents are effective in managing the symptoms of OCD. Tricyclic antidepressants in particular are among those that are commonly used. Examples of tricyclic antidepressants include imipramine and clomipramine. These drugs achieve their effect by increasing the amount of serotonin available in the brain. Serotonin is generally a relaxation hormone. Their side effects include tremors, nausea, impotence and constipation.
The most commonly administered therapy is cognitive behavior therapy or CBT. One of the strategies used here is termed exposure and response prevention. It involves putting the patient in the presence of triggers of obsessive thoughts. They are, however, asked to refrain from the compulsive actions. The second strategy is known as cognitive therapy. The patient is meant to understand that they have to take responsibility for each of their actions.
Family and group therapy are other examples of effective therapies. Family therapy helps members of the family to understand the condition better and how they can best help the patient to cope. They learn to be kind to them and how to communicate to them more positively. Group therapy involves persons that have the same condition meeting and being counseled together. The members learn coping strategies from each other.
There are a number of categories of patients that exist. The classification is based on the predominant pattern of symptoms. One of the groups is that of washers. These are persons that have an extreme fear for contamination. They tend to constantly clean things and wash their hands even when there is no real need for the same. The predominant symptom in the group of checkers is constant worry to keep checking that things are properly done.
Another category comprises doubters and sinners. The persons that fall under this group keep worrying that some tasks have not been done as required and are at a risk of being punished even when there is really no need to be afraid. Counters and arrangers try to achieve order and symmetry in almost everything. At times, they hold superstitions about certain numbers or colors. The last group is that of hoarders who are obsessed with hoarding things that they actually do not need.
There are a number of self-help activities that can be undertaken to alleviate the symptoms. Relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation help to keep fears at bay. This is because many of the behaviors that are seen in OCD patients are triggered by stressful events. Engage in these physical activities for at least 30 minutes daily. Regular exercise has similar benefits as it helps refocus your mind when the unwanted thoughts arise.
Diet modification is another lifestyle change that can be undertaken easily. Persons with OCD are advised to have heavy meals for breakfast and smaller, frequent meals as the day progresses. This ensures that their sugar levels remain within the normal ranges. Hypoglycemia is a common cause of stress and is something you would want to avoid at all costs.
A number of pharmacological agents are effective in managing the symptoms of OCD. Tricyclic antidepressants in particular are among those that are commonly used. Examples of tricyclic antidepressants include imipramine and clomipramine. These drugs achieve their effect by increasing the amount of serotonin available in the brain. Serotonin is generally a relaxation hormone. Their side effects include tremors, nausea, impotence and constipation.
The most commonly administered therapy is cognitive behavior therapy or CBT. One of the strategies used here is termed exposure and response prevention. It involves putting the patient in the presence of triggers of obsessive thoughts. They are, however, asked to refrain from the compulsive actions. The second strategy is known as cognitive therapy. The patient is meant to understand that they have to take responsibility for each of their actions.
Family and group therapy are other examples of effective therapies. Family therapy helps members of the family to understand the condition better and how they can best help the patient to cope. They learn to be kind to them and how to communicate to them more positively. Group therapy involves persons that have the same condition meeting and being counseled together. The members learn coping strategies from each other.
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