Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a mental disability that adversely affects a person's ability to process information in a normal way. Abbreviated OCD, the disorder, as its name indicates, causes people to exhibit both obsessive and compulsive behavioral patterns. These are the two distinct components of the illness, as one will quickly realize when an OCD blog is visited.
Those suffering from the condition are usually overwhelmed by thoughts that are not rational, and which they are not able to control. Thought processes of this type typically affect the sufferer's ability to lead a normal life. In numerous instances, irrational thoughts result in the person becoming extremely fearful or anxious. It is these feelings that frequently lead to the compulsive behavior, which certain psychiatrists believe is the brain's way of trying to balance things out.
The condition is not linked to any specific age group, nor does it affect only members of one sex. It sometimes surfaces in childhood. Many times, after an individual is diagnosed, he or she realizes that the symptoms first manifested in childhood, although the individual was likely unaware of this fact at that time. Often, youngsters receive wrong diagnoses, and are told they are hyperactive or experiencing attention deficit disorder. For this reason, an appropriate diagnosis is often delayed until adulthood.
Statistics on the disorder indicate that approximately four percent of individuals are afflicted with this illness. OCD patients frequently struggle with depression also. Many experts are of the opinion that the depression is a result of the anxiety associated with one's symptoms.
In certain cases, those suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder will experience a remission of their symptoms. This may last for several weeks to several years. However, even though the severity of the disorder may fluctuate, or the condition itself may come and go, it rarely disappears entirely.
The health of individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder is sometimes affected as well. There are many reasons why this is the case. For instance, bacteria and germs may play a major role in the irrational thoughts experienced by the person. These thoughts may prompt the patient to continually wash his or her hands to avoid contracting illnesses. Eventually, however, this may lead to skin damage if the compulsion cannot be controlled.
The social life of sufferers is often impacted in a negative way also. For instance, unless specific conditions are guaranteed, the afflicted person may refuse to sleep or eat. This can cause significant limitations regarding his or her social life and even the patient's ability to take a pleasant vacation. Additionally, the OCD sufferer may isolate himself or herself, as the person may notice the uncomfortable reaction of others regarding his or her symptoms.
Obsessive-compulsive syndrome frequently results in a wearisome existence for its victims. In numerous cases, the physical compulsions and obsessive, irrational thoughts become more important to the sufferer than the normal activities of daily life. The symptoms may also place considerable strain on the emotions of the person's friends and family.
Fortunately, the disorder can be treated in a variety of ways. In some cases, medication is helpful, but other times talk therapy is the best course of treatment. The best results may also come from a combination of the two. Visiting in is often therapeutic, as the patient can discover more facts about the condition, as well as read up on different treatments. Those who suspect they have this disorder should schedule an appointment with a healthcare professional.
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