What Is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder And How Do You Know If You Have It?
The term OCD, or Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, is casually tossed about these days - "Oh, he's so OCD," we often say, in reference to a buddy who insists on doing things in a particular manner. But what is OCD really? OCD is an anxiety disorder characterized by irresistible, continual actions, thoughts, or both. It's OCD when:
• Rituals take over your life rather than serving it
• Repetitive behaviors cause extreme discomfort and anxiety
• You aren't able or willing to cease damaging actions or thoughts
OCD can affect individuals from all walks of life. It is estimated that one in 100 adults in the U.S. (that's 2.3 million!) experience it, as well as about one out of every 200 children. It usually begins either in the 8-12 year old age group or in the late teens/early adult years of development.
We all have behaviors that help us get through our day - placing our keys in a particular location so we don't rush around searching for them on the way out the door; going back occasionally to make sure the burner is turned off. However, when routines become our masters instead of our slaves, it's time to get professional help.
Often that support takes the form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). This treatment is targeted on what's occurring right this moment, instead of in the past, and shows fresh ways of thinking and reacting. Because obsessions are images or thoughts that cause extreme anxiety and stimulate the compulsive behaviors that serve to reduce that anxiety, CBT is a learned process of interrupting those hurtful thoughts and modifying those inflexible behaviors.
If medications are used in the treatment of OCD, they are usually anti-depressants such as Prozac® or Zoloft®. These medicines can help relieve overwhelming feelings of anxiety and depression so that individuals are better able to be involved in their treatment.
With medication alone, symptom reduction is typically experienced within 10-12 weeks; whereas 12 to 20 group therapy or individual counseling sessions are necessary to bring about a decrease in difficult behaviors. Generally treatment is some blend of the two. Counseling can help resolve the underlying issues; medication helps gentle the path. As well, changes in lifestyle like reducing stress, steering clear of drugs and alcohol, getting daily exercise, and striving toward a well-balanced life are all good self-help techniques.
In any case, you'll know your treatment has been successful if you're able to stop bullying thoughts and out-of-control behaviors and take back control of your life.
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About the Author
If you or someone you know is struggling with OCD, author Stephen Daniels highly recommends Lisa Napolitano, http://www.cbtdbtassociates.com in the New York metro area. The psychologists there specialize in the effective treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder, with the use of CBT.
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