Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is not simply about someone who appears to be highly organized or clean. It is a disorder that involves persistent and obsessive thoughts that can lead to a high level of anxiety resulting in compulsions and extreme repetitive behaviours. Although these acts can temporarily relive stress, they are by no means the answer to putting an end to these compulsive acts of behaviour. People dealing with OCD will find that these repetitive symptoms will consume them for one or more hours each day causing a disruption in their daily routine as well as significant distress.
OCD was once grouped in with the condition referred to as Anxiety Disorders; it is now understood to have a set of unique characteristics along with more specific approaches to treatment. OCD causes significant distress and difficulty in many areas of daily life including, social and professional. We all experience times of stress or worries in normal daily life but those that are dealing with OCD, they also have unrelenting thoughts and behaviours that are unreasonable and excessive.
The obsessions that people with OCD experience are unwanted thoughts, urges, or images that repeat themselves over and over again. These occurrences can cause overwhelming anxiety and/or distress. Some of the things that tend to be recurring include matters of harm, contamination, religious concerns, or sexual content.
Compulsions can be another component of OCD and often includes repetitive behaviour or mental acts. Once again, these rituals can release some anxiety however this relief is only temporary, and the cycle simply repeats itself over and over again.
It is important to understand that OCD is a legitimate medical condition and not weakness or a choice. Getting help from a licensed counsellor sooner, rather than letting things go, is essential in coming to terms with your condition and learning techniques to help you overcome and more forward in a positive way.
There are both Mental and Physical symptoms associated with OCD. Some of the more common Mental symptoms include:
- Contamination Obsessions
- Harm Obsessions
- Order and Symmetry Obsessions
- Religious or Moral Obsessions
- Sexual Obsessions
Physical Symptoms can include:
- Cleaning/Washing compulsions
- Checking things repeatedly
- Arranging and ordering compulsions
- Mental or repetitive thought compulsions
When someone who is facing the challenges of OCD is prevented from following through with his or her rituals, they will often experience extreme anxiety.
There are a number of biological and environmental risk factors that can contribute to OCD such as:
- Genetics
- Brain structure/function
- Hormonal influences
- Childhood experiences
- Infections/Medical conditions
- Life stress and triggers
- Psychological factors
If you or one of your children are experiencing some of these symptoms, I invite and highly encourage you to let me help in getting to the root of this condition through OCD counselling, which can show you a path to greater peace and tranquility in your life. OCD is not a trivial condition that can be cured through shear will power. With the help of a trained professional like myself, we can work together to help you achieve calm and gain renewed personal confidence and social relationships in your personal, education, and professional life.
