O.C.D (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder)

Subject: O.C.D (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) Mon Apr 14, 2008 8:42 pm

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (O.C.D)
Is characterized by recurrent thoughts or actions that interfere with a persons life. OCD is unique because of its obsessions and/or compulsions.

Do You Have OCD?

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a psychiatric illness. People with OCD spend large amounts of time and energy on repetitive thoughts and actions, such as cleaning or counting. These obsessions and compulsions may cause a person to feel trapped, miserable, or unable to function.

If you find yourself thinking about something over and over again, or doing something over and over again, and if you feel these rituals are out of your control, you may want to read further. OCD is actually the fourth most common psychiatric diagnosis (after phobias, substance abuse, and depression), so you are certainly not alone.

What Is an Obsession?

An obsession is a recurrent, intrusive thought. It is more than just an everyday worry, and is usually distressing or disturbing to the person experiencing it. Examples include excessive preoccupation with the following:

Cleanliness, germs, or disease (“What if I get AIDS?”)
Doubting oneself (“Did I lock the door?”)
Neatness, symmetry, or specific numbers (“I have to have everything in its place.”

What Is a Compulsion?
A compulsion is a repetitive behavior, often aimed at “neutralizing” the obsession. People feel driven to perform these acts in order to respond to their obsession or to prevent something bad from happening. Examples include the following:

Hand washing (to the point of dry and cracked hands)
Counting, rearranging (buying everything in pairs, or turning on and off the light switch a certain number of times)
Checking (repeatedly checking door locks, the stove, underneath one’s car)
People with OCD can have obsessions, compulsions, or both. Most people with OCD, however, have an obsession (like disease) and an associated compulsion (like washing).

What Happens to People With OCD?
OCD can begin at any age, including childhood. Symptoms often begin suddenly, or following a stressful life event. Some people with OCD have relatively mild symptoms, while others are debilitated to the point of being unable to leave the house. Symptoms may wax and wane, or they may remain constant. Many people with OCD also have depression.
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