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.
There are a number of categories of patients that exist. The classification is based on the predominant pattern of symptoms. One of the groups is that of washers. These are persons that have an extreme fear for contamination. They tend to constantly clean things and wash their hands even when there is no real need for the same. The predominant symptom in the group of checkers is constant worry to keep checking that things are properly done.
Another category comprises doubters and sinners. The persons that fall under this group keep worrying that some tasks have not been done as required and are at a risk of being punished even when there is really no need to be afraid. Counters and arrangers try to achieve order and symmetry in almost everything. At times, they hold superstitions about certain numbers or colors. The last group is that of hoarders who are obsessed with hoarding things that they actually do not need.
If you have been diagnosed with OCD, there are a number of self-help activities that you can engage in to improve the symptoms. Yoga, meditation and other relaxation techniques have in particular been found to be particularly helpful. Relaxation and regular physical activity help to relieve stress that is a common trigger factor for the unwanted thoughts and behaviors.
Diet modification is another lifestyle change that can be undertaken easily. Persons with OCD are advised to have heavy meals for breakfast and smaller, frequent meals as the day progresses. This ensures that their sugar levels remain within the normal ranges. Hypoglycemia is a common cause of stress and is something you would want to avoid at all costs.
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 should also be offered to these patients. Family therapy helps the other family members to understand the condition better and to develop new ways of accommodating the patient. They learn how best to communicate them and not to judge even if they appear unnecessarily anxious. Group therapy provides an opportunity for affected persons to interact and learn coping skills from each other.
There are a number of categories of patients that exist. The classification is based on the predominant pattern of symptoms. One of the groups is that of washers. These are persons that have an extreme fear for contamination. They tend to constantly clean things and wash their hands even when there is no real need for the same. The predominant symptom in the group of checkers is constant worry to keep checking that things are properly done.
Another category comprises doubters and sinners. The persons that fall under this group keep worrying that some tasks have not been done as required and are at a risk of being punished even when there is really no need to be afraid. Counters and arrangers try to achieve order and symmetry in almost everything. At times, they hold superstitions about certain numbers or colors. The last group is that of hoarders who are obsessed with hoarding things that they actually do not need.
If you have been diagnosed with OCD, there are a number of self-help activities that you can engage in to improve the symptoms. Yoga, meditation and other relaxation techniques have in particular been found to be particularly helpful. Relaxation and regular physical activity help to relieve stress that is a common trigger factor for the unwanted thoughts and behaviors.
Diet modification is another lifestyle change that can be undertaken easily. Persons with OCD are advised to have heavy meals for breakfast and smaller, frequent meals as the day progresses. This ensures that their sugar levels remain within the normal ranges. Hypoglycemia is a common cause of stress and is something you would want to avoid at all costs.
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 should also be offered to these patients. Family therapy helps the other family members to understand the condition better and to develop new ways of accommodating the patient. They learn how best to communicate them and not to judge even if they appear unnecessarily anxious. Group therapy provides an opportunity for affected persons to interact and learn coping skills from each other.
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