Obsessive compulsive disorder or OCD is a type of anxiety disorder. It is characterized by frequent uncontrollable and unwanted thoughts associated with ritualized behaviors that the affected person feels that they are compelled to perform. In spite of persons being aware that their thoughts and the compulsive behaviors are irrational, they tend to feel that they cannot resist them. There are a number of facts on obsessive compulsive disorder Northwest Indiana residents need to know.
There are a number of categories of patients that exist. The classification is based on the predominant pattern of symptoms. One of the groups is that of washers. These are persons that have an extreme fear for contamination. They tend to constantly clean things and wash their hands even when there is no real need for the same. The predominant symptom in the group of checkers is constant worry to keep checking that things are properly done.
Doubters and sinners form another category. Persons who fall in this category have a constant worry that they have not done tasks as is required and always fear that they will be punished while in reality they have exceeded expectations. Counters and arrangers have an obsession for symmetry and order. They may exhibit unnecessary superstitions towards certain shapes, colors or arrangements. The last group is made up of hoarders. These accumulate things unnecessarily in the fear that there will be a shortage.
If you are diagnosed with OCD, you can take part in a number of self-help activities that will help you avoid stress, a known trigger for compulsive thoughts and actions. Relaxation techniques that have been shown to be beneficial include meditation and yoga. Strive to have a 30 minute session every day. Physical exercise has similar benefits.
Another lifestyle change that you can undertake is to alter you eating habits so that they are healthier. Take a heavy and nutritious breakfast and follow this up with smaller frequent meals in the course of the day. This is meant to help you avoid hypoglycemia that is a known trigger of stress. Ensure that your diet has plenty of carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables. Complex carbohydrates stimulate the production of serotonin which helps to maintain calmness.
There are several drugs that have been approved for the management of OCD. The most effective are those that belong to the group of tricyclic antidepressants. Examples include clomipramine and imipramine. The mechanism of action is that they increase the availability of serotonin, a hormone that helps us to relax. Side effects include nausea, tremors, constipation and impotence among others.
Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is an important component of treatment. Two main strategies are employed here. The first is exposure and response prevention. This is the act of repeatedly subjecting the patient to the source or trigger of their obsession and asking them to refrain from the compulsive behavior. The second component is cognitive therapy. This entails on stimulating a sense of responsibility in the presence of the obsessive thoughts.
Other types of therapies that are useful include family and group therapies. In family therapy, the members of the family are rallied to provide support for the affected member. They learn more about the condition and how best they can live with the affected member. In group therapy, affected persons learn coping skills from each other by attending regular sessions.
There are a number of categories of patients that exist. The classification is based on the predominant pattern of symptoms. One of the groups is that of washers. These are persons that have an extreme fear for contamination. They tend to constantly clean things and wash their hands even when there is no real need for the same. The predominant symptom in the group of checkers is constant worry to keep checking that things are properly done.
Doubters and sinners form another category. Persons who fall in this category have a constant worry that they have not done tasks as is required and always fear that they will be punished while in reality they have exceeded expectations. Counters and arrangers have an obsession for symmetry and order. They may exhibit unnecessary superstitions towards certain shapes, colors or arrangements. The last group is made up of hoarders. These accumulate things unnecessarily in the fear that there will be a shortage.
If you are diagnosed with OCD, you can take part in a number of self-help activities that will help you avoid stress, a known trigger for compulsive thoughts and actions. Relaxation techniques that have been shown to be beneficial include meditation and yoga. Strive to have a 30 minute session every day. Physical exercise has similar benefits.
Another lifestyle change that you can undertake is to alter you eating habits so that they are healthier. Take a heavy and nutritious breakfast and follow this up with smaller frequent meals in the course of the day. This is meant to help you avoid hypoglycemia that is a known trigger of stress. Ensure that your diet has plenty of carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables. Complex carbohydrates stimulate the production of serotonin which helps to maintain calmness.
There are several drugs that have been approved for the management of OCD. The most effective are those that belong to the group of tricyclic antidepressants. Examples include clomipramine and imipramine. The mechanism of action is that they increase the availability of serotonin, a hormone that helps us to relax. Side effects include nausea, tremors, constipation and impotence among others.
Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is an important component of treatment. Two main strategies are employed here. The first is exposure and response prevention. This is the act of repeatedly subjecting the patient to the source or trigger of their obsession and asking them to refrain from the compulsive behavior. The second component is cognitive therapy. This entails on stimulating a sense of responsibility in the presence of the obsessive thoughts.
Other types of therapies that are useful include family and group therapies. In family therapy, the members of the family are rallied to provide support for the affected member. They learn more about the condition and how best they can live with the affected member. In group therapy, affected persons learn coping skills from each other by attending regular sessions.
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