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OCD

 

             It is now estimated that up to 3 percent of the U. population may suffer from OCD at some point in their lives (about 5 million people). The disorder usually begins in adolescence or early adulthood, but it may also occur in childhood. OCD is characterized by recurrent, unwanted and unpleasant thoughts (obsessions), and/or repetitive, ritualistic behaviors, which the person feels driven to perform (compulsions). People with OCD know their obsessions and compulsions.
             are irrational or excessive, yet find they have little or no control over them. .
             Dirt, germs and contamination, fear of acting on violent or aggressive impulses, feeling overly responsible for the safety of others - ex.: unreasonable fear of having run over someone with a car, abhorrent religious (blasphemous) and sexual thoughts, excessive concern with order, arrangement, or symmetry, inability to discard useless or worn out possessions, etc. .
             SYMPTOMS OF OCD.
             Excessive washing (particularly hand washing or bathing), cleaning, checking and repetitive actions such as touching, counting, arranging and ordering or hoarding. Ritualistic behaviors lessen the chances of distress from obsessions but buy only short term comfort at the long term cost of frequent ritual repetition. A person can have a few or many of these symptoms, which can vary during the course of the disorder. .
             People with OCD may become demoralized or develop depression. Feelings of intense anxiety, discomfort, or disgust are common. Other forms of behavior that may be related to OCD are the urge to pluck out eyebrows or strands of hair (Trichotillomania), the preoccupation with a minor or imagined bodily defect (Body Dysmorphic Disorder), severe or extreme nail biting, or the unfounded fear of having a serious illness (hypochondriasis). .
             WHAT IS OCD? .
             If not treated appropriately, the disorder is usually chronic, with "waxing" and "waning" of symptoms. In some cases, people may outgrow the disorder, in other cases, it may follow a progressive deteriorating course.


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