Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is an anxiety disorder that causes people to become trapped in cycles of thoughts and actions. The main symptom of OCD is an irrational fear that leads to a compulsive behavior. Fears generally revolve around dirt, germs, harming others, as well as other objects and emotions. Common compulsive behavior includes counting items, turning lights on and off, eating food in specific order, or repeating phrases or words over and over.

For some, the anxiety disorder can be disabling, taking away their ability to function in life. This is why treatment is vital for obsessive-compulsive disorder, even if the symptoms that appear are mild. Online therapy can help, but first here is some more information you should know about the symptoms of OCD. After learning more about this disorder, it is important to get help if needed.

Cause of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

While the exact nature of this mental illness still isn't known for sure, it is thought to be brought on by a chemical imbalance in the brain. Specifically, OCD may centers around a serotonin imbalance that causes the patterns or cycles to appear in a person’s life. Abuse, relationship problems, stress and other environmental factors are also thought to play a part in whether or not obsessive-compulsive disorder appears in a person's life.

Symptoms of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Most of the major symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder centers around fear. For some this is a fear of objects while for others it might be a fear of ideas. Obsessions may show as a result of a fear of dirt, germs, or even a need for symmetry. People usually start to exhibit anxiety when they have an obsession. This is replaced by pleasure when they perform a ritual associated with their obsession.

For example, someone with a fear of dirt or germs may have a ritual for washing their hands. Others may have problems with stairs, door knobs, or other everyday objects. Eating foods in a certain order, constant counting, and repeating words or phrases are other symptoms that may appear with obsessive-compulsive disorder. The specifics are going to vary from person to person, but if the symptoms of OCD do appear, psychotherapy and counseling may be a good option.

Treatment for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

For some people, OCD may be mild enough to allow them to live a normal life, but when not treated, the problem may become worse. Therapy and counseling can help give the support and guidance needed to learn to cope with obsessive-compulsive disorder and make sure it doesn't interfere with your life. Battling the symptoms of OCD can be difficult, but with the professional psychologists listed on GoMentor.com, you will get the information and support you need to succeed in winning against obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Definition of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is an anxiety disorder in which people become trapped in cycles of thought and action, repeating them. For some it can be a disabling mental illness that makes it hard for them to perform productively in society. OCD can be treated with psychotherapy.

Symptoms of / Reasons for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

• Obsessions
• Compulsions
• Irrational fears