OCD
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder dominated by obsessions (intrusive thoughts, images) and compulsions (rituals, urges and behavioural responses to the thoughts).
A lot of people with OCD feel very responsible for preventing a terrible thing from happening (e.g. I must keep bacteria away from my family otherwise they might become ill or die and it will be my fault"). Others do not have these catastrophic thoughts, but might feel very uncomfortable and become increasingly anxious and distressed if they don't do what their head is telling them to do.
Compulsions can be 'overt' or obvious behaviours (cleaning, touching, moving things), or 'covert' hidden mental rituals such as counting, repeating things, questioning or checking. A few people only experience obsessions, and a small minority only compulsions.
There are some other variants of OCD, such as trichotillomania (hair pulling), compulsive skin picking, and Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) in which the person believes a particular part of their body is defective and they constantly check, scan, and plan, or make attempts to hide or change the 'defect'.
A lot of people with OCD feel very responsible for preventing a terrible thing from happening (e.g. I must keep bacteria away from my family otherwise they might become ill or die and it will be my fault"). Others do not have these catastrophic thoughts, but might feel very uncomfortable and become increasingly anxious and distressed if they don't do what their head is telling them to do.
Compulsions can be 'overt' or obvious behaviours (cleaning, touching, moving things), or 'covert' hidden mental rituals such as counting, repeating things, questioning or checking. A few people only experience obsessions, and a small minority only compulsions.
There are some other variants of OCD, such as trichotillomania (hair pulling), compulsive skin picking, and Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) in which the person believes a particular part of their body is defective and they constantly check, scan, and plan, or make attempts to hide or change the 'defect'.
Vicious cycle of OCD.
We can help.If you think you are suffering from OCD, Forth Psychological Services can help. One of our highly qualified and experienced professionals will work with you to develop tailored coping strategies and support you to make changes in your life that will improve your mood and general well-being. Contact us today to arrange an initial assessment appointment and take the first step towards better mental health. |
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Courtesy of Get.gg www.get.gg
