Most people likely know the term OCD, yet likely do not know what the condition is, or the symptoms of it. What is OCD? What are the symptoms of the disorder? These are some questions that people often have about obsessive-compulsive disorder. Oceanfront Recovery helps with addressing OCD and other mental health disorders.
What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health disorder that the National Institute of Mental Health describes as a chronic, ‘long-lasting disorder.’ The individual has thoughts or behaviors that the person feels the compulsive urge to repeat over and over again. Many people with OCD exhibit certain fears associated with the anxiety disorder. Oceanfront Recovery therapists in the anxiety treatment program help clients work towards overcoming their obsessions and compulsions associated with OCD.
Ignoring the obsessions or trying to stop the compulsive behaviors often increase the anxiety.
Common Obsessions and Compulsions Associated with OCD
Do you wonder what is obsessive-compulsive disorder signs and symptoms that lead to the diagnosis? Several sources, including the National Institutes of Health, indicate that there are many symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder. Some signs of OCD obsessions include:
- Fear of germs or contamination
- Having fears of acting on an impulse to harm yourself or others
- Forbidden or taboo thoughts related to sex or religion
- Need for precise order
There are several other mental thoughts, images, and urges related to OCD obsessions.
The compulsions and repeated behaviors associated with OCD include:
- Repeatedly washing hands until inflamed or raw to avoid contamination
- Checking and rechecking items such as making sure lights are turned off or that doors are locked
- Counting and recounting in certain patterns
- Repeating the compulsive behaviors in spite of not receiving pleasure other than brief feelings of relief
- Exhibiting the repeated compulsions in spite of having major problems at work or school or in relationships
What Causes OCD?
There is no single known cause of obsessive-compulsive disorder. The International OCD Foundation reveals that while medical professionals do not know an exact cause of OCD, there is some indication that differences in the communication in different parts of the brain possibly increases the likelihood of a person developing OCD.
There are other factors that possibly lead to OCD, including infections, childhood trauma, head injuries, physical abuse or sexual abuse.
What is OCD correlation with other mental health issues? Many people with OCD have other mental health disorders, including depression. Oceanfront Recovery provides treatment for depression and other mental health treatment programs, and substance abuse treatment programs.
Who Develops Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is not rare. The number of people that currently have obsessive-compulsive disorder varies among different sources. For example, the Anxiety and Depression Association of America indicates that as many as 1 in 40 adults and an estimated 1 in 100 children have some degree of obsessive-compulsive disorder. The International OCD Foundation, on the other hand, places the number of people with OCD at 1 in 100 adults and around 1 in 200 children have the disorder.
People develop OCD at any age, although it more commonly occurs by 12 years of age, or by early adulthood.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Treatment
Treating obsessive-compulsive disorder requires an accurate diagnosis. What is OCD treatment? There are a variety of treatment modalities potentially used in obsessive-compulsive disorder treatment in California. Treating OCD requires development of a personalized treatment plan that addresses the individual needs of a client. The treatment that you receive may not be identical to the treatment program for another individual.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a common therapy used in OCD treatment, as is other treatment approaches used in addiction therapy.
Contact Oceanfront Recovery right now at 877.279.1777 to receive the help that you need for your OCD disorder. We also welcome you if you need substance abuse treatment or dual diagnosis treatment.
