Did you know that obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder? Persistent, undesired thoughts and repetitive behaviors are common characteristics of obsessive-compulsive disorder. The thoughts related to OCD are often called obsessions, and the repetitive behaviors are called compulsions.
The symptoms of OCD vary for each person. The severity of symptoms also appear differently, ranging from excessive and repetitive behaviors (referred to as rituals) like hand-washing and cleaning, which are carried out in the hope of removing specific excessive thoughts. These rituals, however, give false relief, although not carrying them through leads to increased anxiety. As you continue reading, this article will help you better understand what it is like living with obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Statistics highlight that 1.0% of the U.S. population is affected by obsessive-compulsive disorder. OCD equally affects males and females, with symptoms starting in childhood or peaking at age 19.
Symptoms of Obsessive-compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Persons living with OCD struggle with obsessed thoughts and compulsions on a daily basis. Thoughts and compulsions are very distressing for the individual, and it dramatically disrupts their everyday living.
The categories of obsessive thoughts generally mirror hygiene, symmetry, religion, sex, the collection of objects, and the need to prevent and predict danger. Compulsions tend to occur with obsessive thoughts and are often characterized by the following:
- The need to do identical actions in a routine manner
- Keeping objects
- The picking of skin or plucking of hair
- The need to constantly check on things
- Excessive cleaning of self, surrounding, or object
While obsessive thoughts can cause extreme distress, compulsions exhaust the individual living with OCD.
Persons living with OCD express how unpredictable it can be and how different triggers steer each day. It usually triggers anxiety along with irrational thoughts and behaviors.
What individuals with OCD go through daily is never rational and is often accompanied by feelings of shame, guilt, the need to hide and keep the disorder a secret, or the possible humiliation.
OCD is characterized as an anxiety disorder. It comes with the need to perform certain rituals in thought and repetitive actions to prevent anxiety or control certain outcomes to feel at ease. However, it still causes extreme distress for the individual who is trapped by this way of living. The thoughts and urges are intrusive, causing much distress to everyday living. In essence, OCD brings on the feelings of anxiety followed by these actions to relieve the stress by any means necessary.
Speaking to someone you trust can be the first step to managing the symptoms and becoming well again. You could also connect with an online support group to speak with others experiencing OCD. Our licensed psychiatrists and therapists are also available to put together a treatment program tailored to your symptoms. Call us at (484) 373-2710 to schedule an appointment with one of our therapists. Your life doesn’t have to be dominated by intrusive thoughts and compulsions. Finding and applying the right approaches to meet your needs could help.
