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.
Patients fall into several categories depending on the most predominant behavior. Washers are those that are constantly afraid of contaminating themselves. They struggle with hand washing and cleaning compulsions. Checkers have the habit of checking things all the time especially those that are associated with danger if not done. This may include repeatedly checking that the door is locked or the tap water has been turned off.
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 have been diagnosed with OCD, there are a number of self-help activities that you can engage in to improve the symptoms. Yoga, meditation and other relaxation techniques have in particular been found to be particularly helpful. Relaxation and regular physical activity help to relieve stress that is a common trigger factor for the unwanted thoughts and behaviors.
You need to modify your diet and make it healthier. It is recommended that you include fruits, vegetables and complex carbohydrates in the diet as often as possible. The carbohydrates stimulate the production of a calming hormone known as serotonin. Breakfast should be the heaviest meal and should be followed by more frequent smaller meals as your day progresses. This will ensure that your sugars remain high and that you avoid the stress associated with hypoglycemia.
Several drugs have been approved for use in the management of OCD symptoms. Drugs that belong to the group of tricyclic antidepressants have been shown to be most effective. They include imipramine and clomipramine. Side effects include urinary incontinence, constipation, nausea and tremors and even impotence. The drugs are known to increase the availability of the hormone serotonin.
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.
Family and group therapy are other examples of effective therapies. Family therapy helps members of the family to understand the condition better and how they can best help the patient to cope. They learn to be kind to them and how to communicate to them more positively. Group therapy involves persons that have the same condition meeting and being counseled together. The members learn coping strategies from each other.
Patients fall into several categories depending on the most predominant behavior. Washers are those that are constantly afraid of contaminating themselves. They struggle with hand washing and cleaning compulsions. Checkers have the habit of checking things all the time especially those that are associated with danger if not done. This may include repeatedly checking that the door is locked or the tap water has been turned off.
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 have been diagnosed with OCD, there are a number of self-help activities that you can engage in to improve the symptoms. Yoga, meditation and other relaxation techniques have in particular been found to be particularly helpful. Relaxation and regular physical activity help to relieve stress that is a common trigger factor for the unwanted thoughts and behaviors.
You need to modify your diet and make it healthier. It is recommended that you include fruits, vegetables and complex carbohydrates in the diet as often as possible. The carbohydrates stimulate the production of a calming hormone known as serotonin. Breakfast should be the heaviest meal and should be followed by more frequent smaller meals as your day progresses. This will ensure that your sugars remain high and that you avoid the stress associated with hypoglycemia.
Several drugs have been approved for use in the management of OCD symptoms. Drugs that belong to the group of tricyclic antidepressants have been shown to be most effective. They include imipramine and clomipramine. Side effects include urinary incontinence, constipation, nausea and tremors and even impotence. The drugs are known to increase the availability of the hormone serotonin.
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.
Family and group therapy are other examples of effective therapies. Family therapy helps members of the family to understand the condition better and how they can best help the patient to cope. They learn to be kind to them and how to communicate to them more positively. Group therapy involves persons that have the same condition meeting and being counseled together. The members learn coping strategies from each other.
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You can get a complete review of the things to keep in mind when choosing an obsessive compulsive disorder Northwest Indiana treatment professional at http://anxietybehavioralhealth.com right now.
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