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OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER
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Home | OCD/sympoms | dianose/treatment
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What is...
Superstitions, extra clean living spaces,
and worries are an everyday occurrence. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder comes into play when if those extra clean living spaces
aren’t extra clean, ones day can’t go on. Obsessions are characterized
by recurrent, unwanted thoughts that one may recognize as ridiculous. Compulsions are the repetitive behaviors, that once
again; one may know these actions are not reasonable. Some of those repetitive behaviors may include hand washing, counting,
checking, or cleaning. In doing these behaviors, the individual is hoping to prevent obsessive thoughts, or make them go away.
Performing rituals
provides only temporary relief. Not performing them tends to increase anxiety. An example of this may be a younger child may fear that harm will occur to himself or a family member. Say an intruder entering an unlocked door or window. The child might quickly check all the doors and windows
of his home after his parents are asleep to ease the anxiety. The kid might then fear that they could’ve accidentally
unlocked a door or window while last checking and locking, and then must re-check.
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The Cause...
Researchers have yet to pinpoint the exact
cause of OCD, but genetic family influences, brain abnormalities, and environmental factors are being studied. OCD usually begins in children or young adults. Research shows
that OCD is a brain disorder and tends to run in families, however this doesn't mean a child will positively develop symptoms.
Studies have also shown that OCD may develop or get worse after a strep infection. Remember, a child could develop OCD without
previous family history. Brain scans of people with OCD have shown that they have different patterns
of brain activity than those without OCD. Abnormal functioning of circuitry within a certain part of the brain, the striatum,
may cause the disorder. Odd activities in other parts of the brain and an imbalance of brain chemicals, especially serotonin,
may also contribute to OCD.
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The Daily Life of...
A person with OCD obviously takes more time
and energy into any given day than someone without OCD. If not more time and energy, then definitely more anxiety. The rituals
or behaviors begin to take more and more time and have a significant impact on ones daily life. If ones particular fear involves
unfamiliar situations, it is possible for one to become so obsessed by the fears that they stop going outside of their home.
Quality of life can be lowered by OCD since it can greatly affect ones ability to work and have relationships. Many people are too embarrassed by their
symptoms to look for treatment, and they go for years before seeing a health professional. OCD can have a negative effect
on those who care about you. Family members can become angry and frustrated at the expectations the rituals
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