All About OCD
Obsessive-Compulsive DiSorDeR
What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?
The feeling of the need to check things repeatedly, or have certain thoughts or perform routines and rituals over and over. These actions interrupt daily life. Performing these habits repeatedly does not give one pleasure, just temporary relief.
Signs/Types of OCD
Repeated thoughts/images of:
- Germs/Dirt
- Intruders
- Violence
- Hurting loved ones
- Sexual acts
- Cleanliness
- Symmetric
- Perfectly combed hair
OCD also includes CHECKING. Many feel the need to check for:
- Gas/Stove knobs (fear of house burning down)
- Door locks/alarms/windows: Fear of burglary
- Car lights
- Reading/rereading names, letters, etc.
- Wallet/Purse/Phone/Tech/Keys (fear of losing objects)
OCD can involve checking for cleanliness:
- Lining public toilets
- Coming into contact with chemicals
- Shaking hands
- Touching door knobs
- Going to the doctor's
- Eating in a restaurant
- Being in a crowd
OCD can also involve:
Intrusive thoughts-disturbing or horrific
Spiritual significance that causes one to go out of his/her way to get around it (stepping on a sidewalk, certain numbers, associations, etc.)
Religious, intrusive thoughts on sin, death, etc.
CURES/RELIEF
Psychotherapy: Hypnosis, talking to a professional counselor, help groups to feel comfort and support.
Medication: To take ones mind off of interruptive thoughts and actions