Obsessive compulsive disorder or OCD is a type of anxiety disorder. It is characterized by frequent uncontrollable and unwanted thoughts associated with ritualized behaviors that the affected person feels that they are compelled to perform. In spite of persons being aware that their thoughts and the compulsive behaviors are irrational, they tend to feel that they cannot resist them. There are a number of facts on obsessive compulsive disorder Northwest Indiana residents need to know.
Patients fall into several categories depending on the most predominant behavior. Washers are those that are constantly afraid of contaminating themselves. They struggle with hand washing and cleaning compulsions. Checkers have the habit of checking things all the time especially those that are associated with danger if not done. This may include repeatedly checking that the door is locked or the tap water has been turned off.
Doubters and sinners form another category. Persons who fall in this category have a constant worry that they have not done tasks as is required and always fear that they will be punished while in reality they have exceeded expectations. Counters and arrangers have an obsession for symmetry and order. They may exhibit unnecessary superstitions towards certain shapes, colors or arrangements. The last group is made up of hoarders. These accumulate things unnecessarily in the fear that there will be a shortage.
If you are diagnosed with OCD, you can take part in a number of self-help activities that will help you avoid stress, a known trigger for compulsive thoughts and actions. Relaxation techniques that have been shown to be beneficial include meditation and yoga. Strive to have a 30 minute session every day. Physical exercise has similar benefits.
Another lifestyle change that you can undertake is to alter you eating habits so that they are healthier. Take a heavy and nutritious breakfast and follow this up with smaller frequent meals in the course of the day. This is meant to help you avoid hypoglycemia that is a known trigger of stress. Ensure that your diet has plenty of carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables. Complex carbohydrates stimulate the production of serotonin which helps to maintain calmness.
There are several drugs that have been approved for the management of OCD. The most effective are those that belong to the group of tricyclic antidepressants. Examples include clomipramine and imipramine. The mechanism of action is that they increase the availability of serotonin, a hormone that helps us to relax. Side effects include nausea, tremors, constipation and impotence among others.
Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is an important component of treatment. Two main strategies are employed here. The first is exposure and response prevention. This is the act of repeatedly subjecting the patient to the source or trigger of their obsession and asking them to refrain from the compulsive behavior. The second component is cognitive therapy. This entails on stimulating a sense of responsibility in the presence of the obsessive thoughts.
Family and group therapy are other examples of effective therapies. Family therapy helps members of the family to understand the condition better and how they can best help the patient to cope. They learn to be kind to them and how to communicate to them more positively. Group therapy involves persons that have the same condition meeting and being counseled together. The members learn coping strategies from each other.
Patients fall into several categories depending on the most predominant behavior. Washers are those that are constantly afraid of contaminating themselves. They struggle with hand washing and cleaning compulsions. Checkers have the habit of checking things all the time especially those that are associated with danger if not done. This may include repeatedly checking that the door is locked or the tap water has been turned off.
Doubters and sinners form another category. Persons who fall in this category have a constant worry that they have not done tasks as is required and always fear that they will be punished while in reality they have exceeded expectations. Counters and arrangers have an obsession for symmetry and order. They may exhibit unnecessary superstitions towards certain shapes, colors or arrangements. The last group is made up of hoarders. These accumulate things unnecessarily in the fear that there will be a shortage.
If you are diagnosed with OCD, you can take part in a number of self-help activities that will help you avoid stress, a known trigger for compulsive thoughts and actions. Relaxation techniques that have been shown to be beneficial include meditation and yoga. Strive to have a 30 minute session every day. Physical exercise has similar benefits.
Another lifestyle change that you can undertake is to alter you eating habits so that they are healthier. Take a heavy and nutritious breakfast and follow this up with smaller frequent meals in the course of the day. This is meant to help you avoid hypoglycemia that is a known trigger of stress. Ensure that your diet has plenty of carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables. Complex carbohydrates stimulate the production of serotonin which helps to maintain calmness.
There are several drugs that have been approved for the management of OCD. The most effective are those that belong to the group of tricyclic antidepressants. Examples include clomipramine and imipramine. The mechanism of action is that they increase the availability of serotonin, a hormone that helps us to relax. Side effects include nausea, tremors, constipation and impotence among others.
Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is an important component of treatment. Two main strategies are employed here. The first is exposure and response prevention. This is the act of repeatedly subjecting the patient to the source or trigger of their obsession and asking them to refrain from the compulsive behavior. The second component is cognitive therapy. This entails on stimulating a sense of responsibility in the presence of the obsessive thoughts.
Family and group therapy are other examples of effective therapies. Family therapy helps members of the family to understand the condition better and how they can best help the patient to cope. They learn to be kind to them and how to communicate to them more positively. Group therapy involves persons that have the same condition meeting and being counseled together. The members learn coping strategies from each other.
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