Basics Relating To Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Northwest Indiana Residents Need To Know

By Lisa Sanders


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 several categories of patients that exist depending on the predominant pattern of symptoms. Washers, for instance, are patients who have an extreme fear of contamination. They will be seen cleaning and hand washing every time. Checkers, on the other hand, tend to check some things every now and then. This applies mostly to things that if not properly done are likely to lead to danger or losses.

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.

You need to modify your diet and make it healthier. It is recommended that you include fruits, vegetables and complex carbohydrates in the diet as often as possible. The carbohydrates stimulate the production of a calming hormone known as serotonin. Breakfast should be the heaviest meal and should be followed by more frequent smaller meals as your day progresses. This will ensure that your sugars remain high and that you avoid the stress associated with hypoglycemia.

A number of pharmacological agents are effective in managing the symptoms of OCD. Tricyclic antidepressants in particular are among those that are commonly used. Examples of tricyclic antidepressants include imipramine and clomipramine. These drugs achieve their effect by increasing the amount of serotonin available in the brain. Serotonin is generally a relaxation hormone. Their side effects include tremors, nausea, impotence and constipation.

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.

Other types of therapies that are useful include family and group therapies. In family therapy, the members of the family are rallied to provide support for the affected member. They learn more about the condition and how best they can live with the affected member. In group therapy, affected persons learn coping skills from each other by attending regular sessions.




About the Author:



Aucun commentaire:

Enregistrer un commentaire