What Is Ocd - Why Is It So Disabling For Victims Afflicted With The Disorder?

OCD or obsessive-compulsive disorder causes those suffering from it extreme anxiety

coupled with a constant need to perform certain movements, actions or "rituals". While some anxiety may arise from recurrent, persistent thoughts of violence, pain or otherwise, not performing the various repetitive behaviors is another cause of anxiety in those living with OCD. With as many as 2.2 million Americans ages 18 and older affected by the disorder, symptoms include obsession with germs, debilitating self doubt and the need to perform the same tasks over and over again, with the sufferer never satisfied with the result.

While much remains to be known about the disorder, researchers do know that people are not born with it, although some studies suggest it may be hereditary. Most begin to show signs sometime between childhood and early adulthood. For those living with the affliction, as time passes the disorder can worsen. Without treatment, the unwanted thoughts, self doubt and the compulsion towards ritualized behavior can become paralyzing for a sufferer.

OCD behavior is unique in that the repetitive actions that often characterize the disorder are, in themselves quite normal behaviors. Hand washing, cleaning, counting, locking the front door, and other such actions are not problematic. It is the frequency of the actions, however, along with the interference with daily life, and the distress the compulsions cause that define OCD. In some cases, other problems can also exist, such as depression or eating disorders. Adults might be fully aware of the senselessness of their thoughts and actions, an awareness that paradoxically leads to further anxiety.

The severity of OCD varies from person to person. For some, the obsessive-compulsive tendencies might relax as they age. Others may be unable to work or perform basic everyday tasks due to the mental disorder. Forms of self treatment for some people include alcohol or drug use and the avoidance of situations that provoke obsessive thoughts or compulsive behavior.

There has been much success in treating OCD patients with cognitive behavioral therapy which is based on the premise that behavior and emotions are interlinked. Rather than delving into childhood or past experiences, CBT therapists work with patients in the present, helping them to modify current behavior patterns by teaching them skills to improve the way they function and interact with the world.

In addition, it has been recently uncovered that some OCD patients have serotonin defects in the brain. New medications are becoming available that focus on serotonin levels. New methods for identifying at-risk people may help mental health providers tackle the disorder before it becomes paralyzing for the patient.

by: Stephen Daniels

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