OCD is an anxiety disorder where the brain can’t cope with normal worries, leading to obsessive or compulsive behavior. It can interfere with daily life, but is treatable with medication and therapy.
OCD, or obsessive-compulsive disorder, is a form of anxiety that occurs in some people whose brain function is unable to cope with normal anxieties. As a result they become obsessed or compulsive about certain things. A person with OCD generally exhibits mild to moderate signs that sometimes or frequently interfere with daily activity. An individual with a serious condition may show extreme signs that consistently interfere with normal daily activity.
The type of anxiety that affects people with OCD refers to the inability to deal with common worries. Germs, disease, death, unfortunate events, injuries, and similar worries are to some extent normal. However, in a person with this condition, the brain cannot overcome these worries or anxieties and they often resort to compulsions or uncontrollable behaviors they perform as a way to prevent their anxiety. It becomes a vicious cycle for some people and can severely interfere with daily life.
A person with OCD generally exhibits compulsive behaviors such as obsessive hand washing, refusing to touch public doorknobs, or using any object that is not their direct property. They might check and recheck the locks on their home several times every hour. Whatever compulsive behavior they demonstrate, the individual finds it impossible to stop and does not always know why.
A person with this condition tends to repeat their compulsive behaviors repeatedly due to their obsessive thoughts or irrational worries. Obsessive thoughts of contracting a serious illness can trigger compulsive hand washing, or an irrational fear of falling can lead to tying and retying your shoes. A person can generally be driven to compulsive by their own thoughts and what might happen if they stop. Perfection is often a goal that the individual cannot help but strive for.
You may have OCD to some degree if you find yourself having recurring thoughts or worries in your mind. If you find it difficult to complete daily tasks because your obsessive thoughts force you to perform compulsive behaviors, you may be showing signs of the condition. Many people with a milder form don’t see it for what it really is.
OCD can occur in both children and adults. The condition is treatable with both medications and behavioral therapy. If you feel that you or someone you know is showing signs of the condition, seek professional help. A doctor can help you assess your ability to deal with worry and anxiety, and if you feel your levels aren’t normal or are interfering with daily life, there is help. Mild OCD can be managed with therapy and prevented from becoming more intense.
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