Do I have OCD?
OCD, or obsessive-compulsive disorder, is a form of anxiety that occurs in some people whose brain function is not capable of dealing with normal anxieties. As a result they become obsessed with or compulsive about certain things. A person with OCD generally exhibits mild to moderate signs that sometimes or frequently interfere with day-to-day activity. An individual with severe OCD may exhibit extreme signs that constantly interfere with normal day to day activity.
The type of anxiety that affects those with OCD relates to an inability to deal with common worries. Germs, illness, death, unfortunate events, injury and similar worries are normal to an extent. However, in a person with OCD, the brain can not move past these worries or anxieties and often resorts to uncontrollable compulsions or behaviors that they perform as a way to prevent their anxiety. It becomes a vicious cycle for some people with OCD and can severely interfere with daily life.
A person with OCD generally exhibits compulsive behaviors such as obsessively washing their hands, refusing to touch public door handles or to use any item that is not their direct property. They might check and recheck the locks on their house several times each hour. Whatever compulsive behavior they demonstrate, an individual with OCD finds it impossible to stop and they don’t always know why.
A person with OCD tends to repeat their compulsive behaviors over and over as a result of their obsessive thoughts or irrational worries. Obsessive thoughts of contracting a serious disease may trigger compulsive hand washing or an irrational fear of falling may result in the tying and retying of shoes. A person with OCD is generally driven to be compulsive by their thoughts and what might happen if they stopped. Perfection is often an achievement that an OCD individual can not help but try to attain.
You might have OCD to some degree if you find yourself having recurring thoughts or worries playing over and over in your mind. If you find it difficult to complete everyday tasks because your obsessive thoughts are compelling you to perform compulsive behaviors, you might be exhibiting signs of OCD. Many people with mild OCD don't realize it for what it really is.
OCD can occur in children and adults alike. The condition is treatable with both medication and behavior therapy. If you believe you or someone you know is exhibiting signs of OCD, seek professional help. A doctor can help you evaluate your abilities to cope with worry and anxiety and if you feel your levels are not normal or they are interfering with daily life, there is help. It’s possible to manage mild OCD with therapy and prevent it from unnecessarily becoming more intense.
Written by J. Beam
