Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

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Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder characterized by intrusive thoughts that produce uneasiness, apprehension, fear, or worry. The acts of those who have OCD may appear paranoid and potentially psychotic. However, OCD sufferers generally recognize their obsessions and compulsions as irrational and may become further distressed by this realization. Obsessive–compulsive disorder affects children and adolescents, as well as adults. Roughly one third to one half of adults with OCD reports a childhood onset of the disorder, suggesting the continuum of anxiety disorders across the life span. OCD may be a result of changes in your body's own natural chemistry or brain functions. OCD also may have a genetic component, but specific genes have yet to be identified. OCD may stem from behavior-related habits that you learned over time. Doctors do not know the exact cause of OCD, factors that may play a role include head injury, infections, and abnormal function in certain areas of the brain and family genes seems to play a strong role. Most people who develop OCD it shows the symptoms by age 30. Often the person carries out the behaviors to get rid of the obsessive thoughts, but this only provides temporary relief. Not doing the obsessive rituals can cause great anxiety. Signs and symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) Most people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) have both obsessions and compulsions, but some people experience just one or the other. OCD signs and symptoms: Obsessive thoughts Common obsessive thoughts in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) include:  Fear of being contaminated by germs or dirt or contaminating others.  Fear of causing harm to yourself or others.  Intrusive sexually ... ... middle of paper ... ... or fearful without having obsessive thoughts or acting compulsively. One type of therapy called exposure and response prevention is especially helpful in reducing compulsive behaviors in OCD. Medication- Doctors also may prescribe medication to help treat OCD. The most commonly prescribed medications for OCD are anti-anxiety medications and antidepressants. Anti-anxiety medications are powerful and there are different types. Many types begin working right away, but they generally should not be taken for long periods. OCD can be a difficult thing to live with and a struggle for some. If you are someone who has OCD and don’t get treatment you should because it may save your life or just simply help you to be a happier person if this disease gets you down. With all that being said I encourage anyone who has it not to let this get you down and please get treatment.

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