September's Topic: OCD

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Resources Used: mayoclinic.org Author Note: I am in no a professional of any kind. I am strongly against self-diagnosis, and encourage my audience to please seek the professional advice of their own trusted medical professional and any other trusted professional depending on the topic at hand. The Abler Blog ONLY PROVIDES LIMITED GENERAL INFORMATION, and ALWAYS CITES WHERE THEY FIND THEIR RESOURCES AND OR INFORMATION. Jessica Niziolek, Founder Of The Abler Blog, and online community. What Is OCD? Is when the person(s) experiences continuous and intrusive thoughts and fears that can lead to the person expressing them in what is c as repetitive behaviors called compulsions. This often disrupts the person’s daily life, and can cause great distress. This disorder is typically are linked to themes. For example, the person may have an extreme fear of germs, so they wash their hands so excessively that become chapped. It is extremely important for me to state that this condition is treatable, and that the person shouldn’t be shamed or embarrassed by their condition. This condition usually deals with both the obsessive aspect and the compulsive aspect. But, it is possible for the person to only experience just compulsions symptoms on their own or just obsessive symptoms on their own. It is also important to note that, the person may not realize that their behaviors are compulsive or obsessive-They do however, take up a great deal of your time and disrupt activities like work, school, Etc. Obsessive Themes OCD Obsessions are often repeated, persistent, and intrusive, unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that cause the person to be in distress and have anxiety. The person may attempt to ignore them or getting rid of the by performing a compulsive behavior or ritual. This usually happens while the person is trying to think and or do things. These obsessions are often linked to themes. For Example: the person may be fearful of contamination or dirt, doubting and having difficulty tolerating uncertaintyNeeding things orderly and symmetrical. Obsessive Signs And Symptoms Fear of being contaminated by touching objects others have touched Doubts that you've locked the door or turned off the stove Intense stress when objects aren't orderly or facing a certain way Images of driving your car into a crowd of people Compulsion Themes Compulsion themes can be presented in ways such as: Washing and cleaning Checking Counting Orderliness Compulsion signs And Symptoms Hand-washing until your skin becomes raw Checking doors repeatedly to make sure they're locked Checking the stove repeatedly to make sure it's off The person may also come up with their own rituals or rules to help deal with their anxiety while they are experiencing symptoms of their OCD. How Serve Can This Condition Get? And What Does It Begin? The severity of how bad this can get for someone varies. Signs and of OCD usually begin to show in a person’s teen/young adult years, but it can present it self in their childhood as well. Symptoms usually start out gradually, it’s during this time that how severe the condition for the person will show its’ severity throughout their lives. The compulsions and obsessions can possibly change over time as well. And symptoms can get worse with the more stress the person may be under at the time. This condition is known as a life-long one. It can go from mild to debilitating. When Do I See A Doctor? It is important to note the difference in being a perfectionist and having this condition. If you believe you, or someone you love may have this condition. Please consult with your doctor or mental health professional as soon as possible. What Are The Causes Of The Condition? As of now there is no answer to this question. But they are some theories within the medical field. Here is a short list of some. Biology-OCD may be a result of changes in your body's own natural chemistry or brain functions. Genetics-OCD may have a genetic component, but specific genes have yet to be identified. Learning-Obsessive fears and compulsive behaviors can be learned from watching family members or gradually learned over time. What Are Some Risk Factors For This Condition? Family history Stressful Life Events Other mental health disorders What Are Some Possible Complications With This Condition? Excessive time spent engaging in ritualistic behaviors Health issues, such as contact dermatitis from frequent hand-washing Difficulty attending work, school or social activities How Do I Prevent OCD From Happening To Me? While you can not actually prevent ever experiencing and or having this condition all together. You can prevent your symptoms and or signs of this condition from progressing and getting worse by seeking professional help and treating the signs and symptoms as soon as possible. Treatment as soon as possible is key to living a life with OCD. Rather than the illness take over the person’s life.