Common Symptoms of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Most of us have heard of OCD, or Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, but do we have a true understanding of what it means to have OCD or the Common Symptoms of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?  If you or someone you know is suffering from OCD, or you just want to learn a bit more about the Common Symptoms of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), the following information can help.  We hope to give you a better understanding of the Common Symptoms of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and the effect that these Common Symptoms of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)have on the individual.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is an anxiety disorder characterized by obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors.  It produces uneasiness, apprehension, worry and/or fear within the individual.  The individual, to reduce these negative feelings, uses obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors, which are irrational in nature.   These Common Symptoms of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) eventually result in severe emotional and sometimes financial distress and can become isolating and time-consuming.

Common Symptoms of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) can include excessive cleanliness, washing and attention to detail.  Ritualistic behavior, frequent checking, specific aversions, and extreme hoarding are seen among OCD sufferers. Obsessive thoughts that are violent, sexual, or religious in nature are also Common Symptoms of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).  What distinguishes these Common Symptoms of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) from normal variations of emotional states is that they are irrational in nature, they are uncontrollable, the individual finds no pleasure in them and uses them as a means to control anxiety, and they occur for at least one hour per day, becoming time-consuming.

Once an official diagnosis of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder has been made by a mental health professional, effective treatment options can be utilized.  These include antidepressant and anti-anxiety medications and psychotherapy.  The most effective and common psychotherapy approach used to treat OCD is cognitive behavioral therapy.  This is used to teach the individual different ways of thinking, behaving and reacting to stimuli that produce fear or anxiety.  At Proliance Center, the above-described methods are regularly used for the treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in our patients.  We are always available to answer your questions about this disorder and it’s treatment.