OCD: What It Is & What It Is Capable of Doing?

The number of Australians that tend to suffer from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is quite considerable. For instance, as much as 3% will encounter OCD within their lifetime. Even worse, around 2% of Australian populace experience it inside one year. So, you see, there’s a need to understand what it is all about. This way, you can identify it and seek treatment as fast as possible.

What Is OCD?

This is an acronym for an anxiety disorder that people commonly refer to as Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. It compels an individual to perform an act repeatedly without a halt. For instance, where they continually snap their neck.

In turn, this can affect an individual by limiting their ability to get things done. It sometimes extends to their ability to maintain relationships, engage people socially, and realise personal growth.

Usually, this obsession is as a result of thoughts, images, urges or memories dominating a person’s mind. This can then create stress and anxiety which the person tries to compensate for with compulsive behaviour.

However, keep in mind that people with OCD can experience either compulsive behaviours or obsessive thoughts. And, in some cases, both.

Typically, you’ll find it to be common among adolescence. However, children and adults can also experience it.

Also, you should know that there is a challenge to early diagnosis. And this is due to attempts by people who suffer from it to feel shame. In turn, this leads them to hide their condition.

What Is It Capable of Doing?

There is a wide range of compulsive behaviours that accompanies the presence of OCD. However, what comes afterwards is even worse. Usually, this compulsive behaviour can cause a wide range of issues for the patient. These problems include: • Spending a considerable amount of time on ritualistic activities such that productivity gets considerably reduced • Health issues, for instance, dermatitis may arise where such individual continuously wash their hands • Poor experience and quality of life • Difficulties with relationships • Inability to get to work or perform other functions • Thoughts of suicide and actions that hint towards them

Signs Of OCD

While it seems all disturbing, OCD is a condition that you can get treatment for. However, this only happens when you identify that you might be suffering from it. Various signs can hint you about this. They include obsessions about: • Fear of germs, microbes, dirt, and contamination • Overwhelming feeling and thoughts of responsibility for safeguarding others • Uncontrollable urge or feeling to hurt others • Intense views concerning religion or sexuality • The continuous sense of fear and dread • A constant desire for safety and protection Even more, these signs extend to compulsions, such as: • Rinsing, washing, and cleaning • Hoarding • Constantly checking things • Obsessive praying • Washing your hands repeatedly • Counting and arranging objects to maintain a specific look

Treatment Of OCD

As we already stated, OCD isn’t irredeemable. You can treat it through the help of mental health professionals. Typically, cognitive-behavioural therapy is an excellent tool that individual health professionals use for treatment. In some cases, medication or a combination of both treatments will do the trick.