Obsessive Complusive Disorder
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, known commonly as OCD is another one of the several anxiety disorders and the latest figures suggest that 2% of the population is afflicted with OCD.
OCD is noticeable as the behaviour pattern or thoughts where things are done again and again and again. A typical example would be an obsessive compulsive to continually wash your hands. You may remember Howard Hughes the famous film maker and pilot whose obsession with microbial infections meant he continuously washed his hands and avoided contact with any possible contaminants.
These symptoms can be mild but in some cases are very severe. Over the years several drugs such as Prozac and Zoloft have been developed to treat OCD with these antidepressants together with therapy to change the sufferer’s behaviour patterns.
What is OCD?
Obsessive compulsive disorder is an anxiety disorder that causes obsessions. These obsessions are totally irrational and like the example above with Howard Hughes result in totally irrational behaviours. Whilst we may know this obsession is irrational the sufferer will suffer from stress and possibly embarrassment. The sufferer is aware they are obsessive but embarrassment of their own behaviour means they try to hide the obsession and increase the stress and anxiety.
Causes of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Medical researchers are beginning to take note of the possibility that OCD is genetic. Whilst they haven’t been able to get to the root cause of OCD they have noticed that it is not uncommon to find more than one member of the family with OCD.
Other investigations and research has discovered the possibility of an imbalance of chemicals in various parts of the brain. Interestingly when some sufferers are given Serotonin there is an improvement suggesting that there may be some correlation with Serotonin levels and OCD.
These are just the beginnings of the research necessary and medical researchers are looking forward to having a better understanding of OCD in the future.
Signs and Symptoms of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
People suffering with OCD will suffer from involuntary compulsions that concern the sufferer to such an extent that they “must” do something about it. Their anxiety rises to such an extent that they must take action, in the case of Howard Hughes this was the need to wash his hands. What is worse is that even after they have taken the action and they know they have done what was needed to be done they will start building the need to do it again.
In severe cases you can find physical evidence of OCD, for example, when a person suffers with a need to clean their hands they can make their hands very sore with the overuse of soap, scrubbing brushes etc. and it is not unusual to see these people with red and sore hands due to their obsession.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder treatment is available and people should consider approaching their doctor if they recognize the symptoms. Parents need to be aware that children can also suffer with OCD and again should approach their doctor for help.
