Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) by Arthur Buchanan

What is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder? The most common features of OCD are obsessional thoughts and compulsive behaviour. Obsessional thoughts are distressing, repetitive thoughts which you know are your own (unlike hallucinations) but cannot ignore; some people describe these as being like a 'stuck record'. Compulsions are ritual actions or mental processes which you feel compelled to repeat in order to relieve anxiety and temporarily stop obsessional thoughts. For example, you may have an obsessional thought that your hands are dirty and repeatedly wash them over and over again. Obsessive thoughts and compulsive rituals can take up many hours of each day. In its most severe form, OCD can prevent you from completing even simple daily tasks, such as washing the dishes.

What are the symptoms of OCD? Not all obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviours are symptoms of a mental health problem. Most of us have worries, doubts and superstitious beliefs. It is only when your thoughts and behaviour make no sense, cause distress or become excessive that you may want to look for help.

OCD symptoms can occur at any stage of your life. If you suffer from OCD you may also feel anxious and depressed, and may believe you are the only one with such irrational and obsessive thoughts. Unfortunately, such feelings may make you afraid to tell anyone or ask for help - which will only delay diagnosis and treatment. Having OCD should not be seen as a sign of weakness, nor should you feel you are lacking in will power because you are unable to stop these thoughts and behaviours.

Symptoms of OCD are also seen in other brain disorders such as Tourette's syndrome.

Most common obsessions and compulsions.

• Fear of contamination
• Fear of causing harm to someone else
• Fear of making a mistake
• Fear of behaving unacceptably
• Need for symmetry or exactness
• Excessive doubt
• Cleaning and washing
• Checking Arranging and organising
• Collecting and hoarding
• Counting and repeating

What causes OCD? There are different theories about why OCD develops. It can be based on previous experiences - especially during childhood. And the type of personality may also be important - perfectionists seem to be more prone to this problem. OCD has been linked to increased activity in certain parts of the brain and some experts think low levels of a brain chemical called serotonin may be involved - although others disagree. Stress does not cause OCD, but a stressful event such as birth, death or divorce may act as a trigger.

How to treat OCD? There is no immediate cure for OCD but there are a number of treatments and things you can do to help you deal with it. The first step in getting treatment is to explain your symptoms to your GP who can then refer you for specialist help. The most effective treatments for OCD generally involve talking treatments such as counselling, psychotherapy and cognitive behaviour therapy and drug therapy.

How family and friends can help As family or a friend, you may feel frustrated and confused by the symptoms of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, but you can help a lot by accepting your partner's, friend's or relative's feelings and understanding they find it difficult to cope. Generally, negative comments or criticism tend to make OCD worse, whereas a calm, supportive family can help improve the treatment's outcome. When children or adolescents have OCD, it's important for parents to work with teachers to be sure that they understand the problem.

Self-help Self-help groups can provide help, support and encouragement. Contact the organisations linked to below to try to find a local group. You can also help by becoming something of an expert on OCD. Since OCD may come and go at different times in your life, you and your family will benefit from learning all you can about the problem. This will help you get the best from your treatment and keep the problem under control.

Listen to Arthur Buchanan on the Mike Litman Show! http://freesuccessaudios.com/Artlive.mp3 THIS LINK WORKS, LISTEN TODAY! With Much Love, Arthur BuchananPresident/CEO Out of Darkness & Into the Light 43 Oakwood Ave. Suite 1012 Huron Ohio, 44839 Teen Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Treatment 567-219-0994 (cell)

For more great ideas on managing Obsessive Compulsive Disorders (OCD) why not visit:-

Obsessive Compulsive Disorders OCD articles and resources
http://www.ocfoundation.org/

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder OCD Treatment and Recovery
http://www.mentalhealth.com/dis/p20-an05.html

NIMH: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/HealthInformation/ocdmenu.cfm

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
http://kidshealth.org/kid/health_problems/learning_problem/ocd.html

For More Information:

Contact your local Mental Health Association, community mental health center, or:

National Mental Health Association 2001 N. Beauregard Street, 12th Floor Alexandria, VA 22311 Phone 703/684-7722 Fax 703/684-5968

Mental Health Resource Center 800/969-NMHA TTY Line 800/433-5959

National Clearinghouse on Teenage Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Resources and Treatment Phone: 800-729-6686 http://dasis3.samhsa.gov/

Teen Substance Abuse Treatment
Parenting Teens
Bullying Resources
Anxiety Disorders Resources

For any questions - call 1-877-202-2556 toll free. We have consultants waiting to take your call 24 hours a day/7 days a week - Call Us now about Obsessive Compulsive Disorder OCD Treatment!