Obsessive compulsive disorder or OCD is just one of several types of anxiety disorders that plague millions of adults in
America. Those who suffer from OCD are usually driven by compulsive thoughts and behaviors that compel them to constantly repeat various actions and rituals on a daily basis. For an OCD sufferer, this compulsive behavior is often a way to reduce the amount of anxiety felt, even though it’s short-lived.
Because there are many different types of obsessive compulsive disorders, the symptoms tend to vary greatly among sufferers. However, treatment options are available and in most cases, can greatly help to effectively manage the obsessive compulsive behavior portrayed by those who suffer from this type of anxiety disorder.
Symptoms & Affects of Different Obsessive Compulsive Disorders
OCD can also be known as obsessive compulsive personality disorder and that’s because it literally has the power to alter your personality. For example, some people with OCD have an intense fear of dirt and being contaminated by different germs. As a result, they are constantly compelled to engage in repetitive actions in an attempt to remain sanitary. This can include obsessive compulsive behavior such as washing their hands and clothing again and again or constantly cleaning their homes, cars etc.
The sad part is that no matter how many times they repeat certain actions, they are never able to really feel as though they are completely safe. It’s important to remember that OCD sufferers are ultimately driven by their fear, which ends up leading them to believe that they will truly suffer from physical harm if they do not repeat such behaviors.
Some forms of OCD can actually cause sufferers to feel as though they must recheck everything they do. An example of this type of obsessive compulsive behavior would be locking the door before leaving from home, but before getting into the car, going back and checking again whether the door is in fact locked. The fear that is often behind this particular compulsion is ensuring that no one can gain entry into the home during the OCD sufferer’s absence.
In the case of using everyday appliances around the home such as the toaster, oven, iron or stove, they may be driven to go back numerous times in an effort to ensure they have turned off or unplugged the items. OCD sufferers who constantly need to recheck things are often fearful of the fact that if they miss something, a serious problem could occur and the fault would be entirely on them. As a result of spending so much time re-checking everything done throughout the day, even routine tasks such as cooking and doing the laundry can be extremely difficult and intense.
Other types of OCD can also make those who suffer from the disorder to be extreme perfectionists who constantly have to have things arranged in the “correct” way or in a specified order. Another common OCD personality trait is being absolutely unable to throw anything away. OCD sufferers who are classified as “hoarders” typically see value in even the smallest things, which is why they are compelled to hold onto to all of their possessions, even though they may be completely worthless. The consequence of this type of obsessive compulsive personality disorder is often having a disorganized, cluttered home with no available space.
Causes & Treatment for OCD
While researchers have been unable to find any “known” causes for obsessive compulsive disorder, many believe that the anxiety disorder may be caused by chemical imbalances within the brain. In addition to certain types of medication, therapy is also used to treat those who suffer from OCD.
Cognitive therapy is just one of the approaches used as treatment for obsessive compulsive disorder. This type of therapy works in accordance to the individual’s mind, rather than mood. The primary focus of cognitive therapy is on thought patterns, which is why it helps to exercise the brain. While cognitive therapy may not work for every OCD patient, it is thought of as a good first step to gain control over this type of anxiety disorder.