Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental disorder characterized by anxiety, obsessive thoughts and repetitive behavior. The actions tend to lessen anxiety, and conversely, not doing them tends to create stress in OCD patients. In the majority of cases, patients may realize that their behavior and thought processes are not normal, yet they are difficult to control.
The Symptoms of OCD
The symptoms of this condition are generally broken down into two categories, thoughts (obsession) and behaviors (compulsion). Obsessive thoughts may include:
- Fear of hurting oneself or others
- Fixation on religious imagery or ideas
- Worries about germs and dirt
- Sexual thoughts, sometimes involving violence
- Worrying about losing things
- Reluctance to throw things out
- The need to keep things in a particular order
- Strong superstitions
Some of the common behaviors associated with the condition are:
- Going over things repeatedly
- Cleaning things excessively
- Constant washing of hands
- Storing things such as old newspapers and magazines
- The need to count things constantly
- Calling family members constantly to see if they are OK
Treating the Condition
Much more is known about the condition these days, as well as methods of treatment. Many people who have lived with this debilitating condition have been able to achieve a sense of normalcy and move on to live fulfilling lives. Treatment options are:
- Behavioral therapy: this is a long and sometimes arduous process during which the sufferer learns to overcome their anxieties. Tasks may involve touching objects they consider contaminated, and refraining from obsessive behaviour.
- Medication: there are drugs that have been approved for treatment of this condition. Some of these are fluoxetine, sertraline and paroxetine as well as some types of antidepressants. This course of treatment has had varying degrees of success.
- Natural remedies: some herbs offer relief from OCD symptoms. St. John’s Wort has been found to be effective in some cases. Similarly, calming herbs such as chamomile, black cohosh and valerian help to limit the anxiety caused by the condition.
Living with OCD
For those who have this condition a support structure is very important. Likewise, for anyone with a loved one struggling with the condition, patience and understanding are needed. Learn all you can about this illness, and take it day by day. Speak with your doctor about a course of treatment and mention natural and alternative remedies as well. Other useful methods of coping include:
- Exercise
- Adequate sleep
- Avoiding stressful situations
- Avoiding alcohol and drugs
- Meditation
- Adhering to treatments
It is certainly not an easy condition to live with, and symptoms may come and go over time. Given the success of treating many patients over the years, it is reasonable to assume that the majority of sufferers can overcome this illness.
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