Confessions

Happy Monday, everyone!

I don’t know about y’all but it’s been a pretty hectic day in my world. I hope that you all are enjoying your day and that you had a great weekend! Let’s dive into this week’s mental illness.

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Obsessive Compulsive Disorder:

What is it?

-Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is an anxiety disorder that adversely affects the thoughts and actions of the individual. It is common that those who suffer, do so as a result of unreasonable, unrelenting thoughts that lead to actions. It is possible, however, to only have obsessive thoughts or compulsive actions. Either symptom is a result of an irresistible anxiety to perform a certain ritual until the urge disappears. More often than not, that urge simply never vanishes.

Who does it affect?

-OCD can affect anyone but according to NIMH, most cases are diagnosed at the age of 19. Boys are known to be diagnosed at an earlier age than girls while there are few cases that are diagnosed after the age of 35.

What causes it?

-Doctors typically do not know what causes OCD. They suggest that genetics, brain structure, and environment can all play a part in the onset of this disease. A large factor contributing to your risk of suffering is your response to stress. Those who deal with stress in less than healthy ways can become even more “at risk” than those who manage it well.

What are the symptoms?

-The symptoms range widely depending on the person and what contributed to the onset. For the sake of being precise, these symptoms have been directly pasted from NIMH (link at the bottom of the page).

-Obsessions:

-Fear of germs or contamination

-Unwanted forbidden or taboo thoughts involving sex, religion, and harm

-Aggressive thoughts towards others or self

-Having things symmetrical or in a perfect order

-Compulsions

-Excessive cleaning and/or handwashing

-Ordering and arranging things in a particular, precise way

-Repeatedly checking on things, such as repeatedly checking to see if the door is locked or that the oven is off

-Compulsive counting

-NIMH also states that most people experience these symptoms from time to time but someone who suffers from OCD generally:

-Can’t control his or her thoughts or behaviors, even when those thoughts or behaviors are recognized as excessive

-Spends at least 1 hour a day on these thoughts or behaviors

-Doesn’t get pleasure when performing the behaviors or rituals, but may feel brief relief from the anxiety the thoughts cause

-Experiences significant problems in their daily life due to these thoughts or behaviors

How is it treated?

-Medicine

-Psychotherapy

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OCD is an extremely debilitating mental disorder. Most suffering individuals are typically subjugated by the incessant nature of such fears and actions that are followed by the onset of other mental disorders. It can become incredibly dangerous for those who are not able to free themselves from its grasp. If you or a loved one are experiencing such symptoms consult with a doctor.

Have a great rest of your day!

 

Citations:

–NIMH website

–Mayo Clinic

**This is not a professional opinion. All information has been researched and cited. Responsibility falls upon the reader and will not fall back upon the author and/or this blog.**