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How to Recognize Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Symptoms
Obsessive compulsive disorder is a problem that currently affects one in fifty people in the United States, and twice that many people have experienced the symptoms at one time or another. The obsessive compulsive disorder symptoms can include recurring thoughts that can lead to ritualistic behaviors that the person cannot control. The classic behavior that most think of with this disorder is frequent hand washing, but there are many other types of actions and behaviors that can appear as well.
Obsessions
The obsessive side of this disorder includes thought or images that a person cannot get out of his head. These disturbing thoughts often interfere with other intentional activities or thoughts. One obsession that is a common obsessive compulsive disorder symptom is a constant worry about germs and contamination. This is one of the reasons why many suffering from this disorder will wash their hands frequently. Sometimes it can keep people with this disorder from leaving their homes or going to certain events or places where they think many germs might be lurking.
Compulsions
The compulsive part of this disorder consists of repetitive behaviors that the person has trouble controlling. This is how people with this disorder will try to manage the obsessive thoughts in their head. For example, if the person worries about remembering to lock the front door, he may go back and check the lock numerous times to make sure that the action was indeed done. Although the compulsive behavior that is another obsessive compulsive disorder symptom is meant to alleviate the thoughts that can't be turned off, the behavior itself often becomes a source of anxiety due to the amount of time that is spent on it.
A diagnosis of this disorder is generally made with an assessment of the obsessive compulsive disorder symptoms that are noted. When the symptoms become frequent enough to disrupt daily life, or cause a great amount of anxiety, the disorder is often diagnosed and treatment begins. This is often done in the adolescent years, or in early adulthood when the obsessive compulsive disorder symptoms become prevalent.
There are many ways to treat this problem and manage the obsessive compulsive disorder symptoms that you might be experiencing. Effective treatment often includes a combination of behavior therapy and medication, which seems to work the best for a long-term approach. If you suspect that you are suffering from this disorder, it is important to see your doctor so that a diagnosis can be made and treatment can begin as soon as possible.
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