subject: Signs Of Ocd- Manifestations Of Ocd And Their Consequences [print this page] Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a major anxiety disorder, considered to be a neurological illness defined by continuous flow of intrusive negative thoughts and images that are very upsetting. These kinds of thoughts and images are being referred to as obsessions. They cause too much anxiety that one cannot resist but give in to compulsions in order to feel at ease.
Signs and Symptoms
Recorded manifestations of obsessive compulsive disorder are seen earliest in children and adolescents. Usually signs of OCD are not usually serious but progresses over time. They worsen until one becomes fully dysfunctional from school, from work, from their everyday life. The earlier the diagnosis is done, the better. It is but normal for one to feel embarrassed after knowing you are afflicted with OCD. However, it is always preferable to take action while the symptoms are still easy to treat. Neglecting any manifestation would mean long years of suffering.
Usual Obsessions
Repetitive visions and thoughts can increase one's level of anxiety. A person cannot do anything but surrender to overwhelming temptation of giving in to impulses as it is the only way they can decrease the unpleasant feeling they are experiencing. When they happen to do rituals, their capability to take part in his or her social and professional roles diminishes. They become dysfunctional. Common themes of their obsessions include fears like:
* infection from germs and other harmful bacteria
* being seriously sick
* causing harm to people around them
* throwing items (which results to hoarding)
* asymmetry and disorder
Those who fear of getting contaminated are uncomfortable in using things accessible to the public like doorknobs and even shaking hands with others. Those who have irrational thoughts of harming others are always bothered on leaving doors unlocked and driving with too much speed. Obsessions that have something to do with symmetry and order result to dread over arranging furniture and clothing. Fear in throwing insignificant items usually result in collecting objects that have no value at all.
Those with OCD are aware that their obsessions are products of their own mind. They are consciously awake while experiencing these recurrent thoughts and images but they refuse to admit these obsessions can do them no harm, at some point they become illogical not to rationalize before doing anything ritualistic. This is why behavioral and cognitive therapies work best with OCD since they are techniques designed specifically to address such problem.
Typical Compulsions
Compulsions on the other hand, are continuous and come like a cycle. They are needlessly done as rituals to avoid any feeling of dread and anxiety. Common behaviors include avoidance to things that cause them fear, repetitive asking for assurance, excessive cleaning and counting, multiple bathing and hand washing, constant checking of door locks, and hoarding insignificant things.
Consequences
Children who have been diagnosed with OCD are observed at the beginning to have problems at school. They have difficulty in dealing with others. Adult sufferers tend to have unstable relationships with people at work. They also have difficulty maintaining intimate relationships with the opposite sex.
