OCD anxiety disorder is the fourth most common mental disorder. It is characterized by intrusive thoughts and irrational behavior. The OCD sufferer knows their thoughts and actions are irrational, which in turn, causes anxiety. Managing their behavior is often the single biggest challenge for those suffering from OCD.
To be diagnosed with OCD anxiety disorder, six very specific criteria must be met: 1. Intrusive, recurring and persistent thoughts that cause stress or anxiety, 2. The thoughts must be more than just regular worry 3. The individual knows the thoughts are irrational, 4. The individual attempts to suppress or ignore the irrational thoughts 5. Repetitive behaviors and 6. Certain behaviors are done to reduce anxiety
OCD does not target any particular gender, age or demographic. It usually begins in the teens (boys) or twenties (girls).
Those suffering from OCD anxiety disorder perform tasks or compulsions in order to reduce anxiety. There are two different types of OCD: 1. OCD with overt compulsion and 2. OCD without overt compulsions. Sufferers with overt compulsions actually act on their thoughts or perform tasks to reduce anxiety. Those without overt compulsion do not act on their thoughts.
Formal diagnosis may be performed by a psychiatrist, psychologist or a psychoanalyst. OCD anxiety disorder sufferers know their thoughts are irrational, but still feel bound to behave in ways that reduce the anxiety.
Behavioral therapy and medication are the two most common ways OCD anxiety disorder is treated. Behavioral therapy operates on the premise of repeated exposure. In a safe and controlled environment, therapists repeatedly expose OCD sufferers to the cause of their anxiety. The patient breaks the cycle of acting out to reduce the anxiety. Over time, the sufferer can tolerate exposure to the anxiety trigger without engaging in unhealthy behavior to reduce the anxiety.
Medication is also used as a treatment option for OCD anxiety disorder. Some naturally occurring ingredients, like the sugar Inositol have proven effective. Antidepressants and antipsychotics are used as well.
Alternative treatments are constantly being researched as well. In some cases, naturally occurring ingredients like those found in vitamin supplements and the naturally occurring sugar called Inositol were effective in treating the OCD. As a last resort, psychosurgery has been done, though only in extreme and rarely occurring cases.
To be diagnosed with OCD anxiety disorder, six very specific criteria must be met: 1. Intrusive, recurring and persistent thoughts that cause stress or anxiety, 2. The thoughts must be more than just regular worry 3. The individual knows the thoughts are irrational, 4. The individual attempts to suppress or ignore the irrational thoughts 5. Repetitive behaviors and 6. Certain behaviors are done to reduce anxiety
OCD does not target any particular gender, age or demographic. It usually begins in the teens (boys) or twenties (girls).
Those suffering from OCD anxiety disorder perform tasks or compulsions in order to reduce anxiety. There are two different types of OCD: 1. OCD with overt compulsion and 2. OCD without overt compulsions. Sufferers with overt compulsions actually act on their thoughts or perform tasks to reduce anxiety. Those without overt compulsion do not act on their thoughts.
Formal diagnosis may be performed by a psychiatrist, psychologist or a psychoanalyst. OCD anxiety disorder sufferers know their thoughts are irrational, but still feel bound to behave in ways that reduce the anxiety.
Behavioral therapy and medication are the two most common ways OCD anxiety disorder is treated. Behavioral therapy operates on the premise of repeated exposure. In a safe and controlled environment, therapists repeatedly expose OCD sufferers to the cause of their anxiety. The patient breaks the cycle of acting out to reduce the anxiety. Over time, the sufferer can tolerate exposure to the anxiety trigger without engaging in unhealthy behavior to reduce the anxiety.
Medication is also used as a treatment option for OCD anxiety disorder. Some naturally occurring ingredients, like the sugar Inositol have proven effective. Antidepressants and antipsychotics are used as well.
Alternative treatments are constantly being researched as well. In some cases, naturally occurring ingredients like those found in vitamin supplements and the naturally occurring sugar called Inositol were effective in treating the OCD. As a last resort, psychosurgery has been done, though only in extreme and rarely occurring cases.
About the Author:
Understanding the anxiety disorder is the first step in the healing process. Anxiety disorders affect millions - many of which never seek help. If you are reading this, you have already taken the first courageous step! Now, keep the momentum going!
