Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) - particularly its symptoms and underlying causes - is the topic of many articles, books, and even talk shows.
As visibility of the condition increases, the public is becoming more aware of the prevalence of OCD.
Some may see the symptoms in loved ones, or even themselves.
However, because many experts describe only the most acute symptom of the condition - cyclical and ritualized behaviors, a hyper-focus on symmetrical objects, compulsive repeated behaviors, and the like - less attention is brought to the more common, less severe, and non-visible indicators of OCD.
In truth, people - particularly those who have not been diagnosed or treated for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder - experience less extreme obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors, even though they do interfere with the quality of their lives.
The reality is that most sufferers have milder symptoms - often not discernable to observation.
Mostly they have symptoms - obsessive thoughts and/or compulsive actions - that ultimately take a toll on their sense of well being and happiness.
The Anatomy of OCD - Obsessive Thoughts and Compulsive Behaviors As the name suggests, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder consists of two distinct, but interrelated, aspects: fixated thought patterns and "uncontrollable" behaviors.
People with the disorder often feel as though they're "living in their heads" and find it difficult to "live in the moment.
" Additionally, they may also:
These may serve as the precursors to compulsive behaviors, which might include:
These life events may lead to feelings of fear, anxiety, loss of control, powerlessness, and more.
In order to cope with these uncomfortable feelings and begin to regain a sense of control, sufferers find comfort in obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors.
Unfortunately, over time, as these thought patterns and actions become more cyclical and pronounced, they cease to provide comfort and actually become sources of distress and unease.
Symptoms usually worsen during times of emotional, psychological, or physical stress, such as financial difficulties, relationship issues, medical problems, and work stress.
Conversely, these symptoms may abate for days, weeks, months or even years at times when life is less stressful.
Although obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors may decrease at times, they can be easily retriggered, and often continue to recur until the root cause of the pattern is addressed.
Treatment for OCD Fortunately, treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder is safe, effective, and sustainable, and seeking help from a qualified psychologist or clinical social worker is a great first step toward a happier, more peaceful life.
Ideally, therapy consists of identifying the destructive thought patterns and/or behaviors, breaking that cycle, and replacing them with healthier, more constructive alternatives.
It also offers the opportunity to uncover and work through the root cause in order to prevent symptoms from returning.
The result of this is a more self-compassionate, enriched life free of obsessions and compulsions.
During therapy, clients are provided with effective strategies to reduce distress and anxiety that may arise in life.
These new coping strategies take the place of the previous obsessive-compulsive behaviors, and are ultimately more beneficial to the health of the individual.
In summary, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder - whether in an acute or less severe stage - is a serious condition that has a negative effect on many aspects of sufferers' lives.
However, with help from a qualified therapist, there is every reason to expect that people with OCD can become free of the debilitating obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors that plague their lives.
Free of the confines of OCD, they can finally live the life they desire.
If you'd like to learn more about obsessive-compulsive disorder, you can go to: http://www.
nassauguidance.
com/services/ocd/obesessive-compulsive-disorder.
-treatment-of-ocd,-long-island,-ny/ for more information.
As visibility of the condition increases, the public is becoming more aware of the prevalence of OCD.
Some may see the symptoms in loved ones, or even themselves.
However, because many experts describe only the most acute symptom of the condition - cyclical and ritualized behaviors, a hyper-focus on symmetrical objects, compulsive repeated behaviors, and the like - less attention is brought to the more common, less severe, and non-visible indicators of OCD.
In truth, people - particularly those who have not been diagnosed or treated for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder - experience less extreme obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors, even though they do interfere with the quality of their lives.
The reality is that most sufferers have milder symptoms - often not discernable to observation.
Mostly they have symptoms - obsessive thoughts and/or compulsive actions - that ultimately take a toll on their sense of well being and happiness.
The Anatomy of OCD - Obsessive Thoughts and Compulsive Behaviors As the name suggests, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder consists of two distinct, but interrelated, aspects: fixated thought patterns and "uncontrollable" behaviors.
People with the disorder often feel as though they're "living in their heads" and find it difficult to "live in the moment.
" Additionally, they may also:
- Experience fixated and repetitive thought patterns
- Worry excessively about past, present, and/or future events
- Have trouble sleeping due to overactive minds
- Find it very difficult to break away from "anxiety loops" that take over their thought patterns
These may serve as the precursors to compulsive behaviors, which might include:
- Acting out impulsively, or failing to wait until more suitable opportunities to act.
- Checking and rechecking things - For example, some OCD sufferers claim that it is very difficult for them not to respond instantly to communication such as cell phone calls, text messages, and emails.
Delaying this may create increased anxiety.
In this way, technology serves to exacerbate their condition and some even claim that technology serves as the root cause for their compulsive behaviors. - Other behaviors that affect their quality of life- One of my clients who was working through her OCD had a cleaning compulsion that led to her vacuuming for hours each day, despite her home's immaculate condition.
This interfered with her ability to enjoy her home and have time to do pursue pleasurable activities.
These life events may lead to feelings of fear, anxiety, loss of control, powerlessness, and more.
In order to cope with these uncomfortable feelings and begin to regain a sense of control, sufferers find comfort in obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors.
Unfortunately, over time, as these thought patterns and actions become more cyclical and pronounced, they cease to provide comfort and actually become sources of distress and unease.
Symptoms usually worsen during times of emotional, psychological, or physical stress, such as financial difficulties, relationship issues, medical problems, and work stress.
Conversely, these symptoms may abate for days, weeks, months or even years at times when life is less stressful.
Although obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors may decrease at times, they can be easily retriggered, and often continue to recur until the root cause of the pattern is addressed.
Treatment for OCD Fortunately, treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder is safe, effective, and sustainable, and seeking help from a qualified psychologist or clinical social worker is a great first step toward a happier, more peaceful life.
Ideally, therapy consists of identifying the destructive thought patterns and/or behaviors, breaking that cycle, and replacing them with healthier, more constructive alternatives.
It also offers the opportunity to uncover and work through the root cause in order to prevent symptoms from returning.
The result of this is a more self-compassionate, enriched life free of obsessions and compulsions.
During therapy, clients are provided with effective strategies to reduce distress and anxiety that may arise in life.
These new coping strategies take the place of the previous obsessive-compulsive behaviors, and are ultimately more beneficial to the health of the individual.
In summary, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder - whether in an acute or less severe stage - is a serious condition that has a negative effect on many aspects of sufferers' lives.
However, with help from a qualified therapist, there is every reason to expect that people with OCD can become free of the debilitating obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors that plague their lives.
Free of the confines of OCD, they can finally live the life they desire.
If you'd like to learn more about obsessive-compulsive disorder, you can go to: http://www.
nassauguidance.
com/services/ocd/obesessive-compulsive-disorder.
-treatment-of-ocd,-long-island,-ny/ for more information.
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