Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Social Anxiety
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Obsessive compulsive disorder or OCD is a type of anxiety which is distinguished by ritualized and repetitive habits which you always feel obliged to do along with uncontrollable and obsessive thoughts. Individuals with this type of disorder are usually aware that their compulsive habits and obsessive thoughts already border on being irrational. However, the hard fact about OCD is that a person who has this disorder finds it hard to break free and resist his impulsive behaviour.Obsessions & Compulsions Explained
Obsessions are described as involuntary, apparently uncontrollable impulses, images or thoughts which repeatedly materialize in the mind. These thoughts happen to be unusually distracting and disturbing.
Compulsions are rituals or behaviours which drives you to perform repeatedly. This is usually done in an effort to get rid of obsessions. Still, whatever efforts you do doesn’t create a lasting relief. On the contrary, it just succeeds in the stronger return of obsessive thoughts. Compulsive behaviours usually end up triggering anxiety as they turn out to be more time-consuming and demanding. Listed below are the categories of individuals with OCD:
- Hoarders. They don’t like throwing things away for fear that something awful will happen if they do. As a result, they hoard things compulsively even if they don’t use or need them anymore.
- Doubters and sinners. Individuals who fall in this category always feel terrified if something is not perfectly done for fear of punishment or terrible things happening as a result.
- Washers. They are extremely scared of contamination and usually have hand-washing or cleaning compulsions.
- Counters and arrangers. These are people who are totally obsessed with symmetry and order. They might also have superstitions regarding specific arrangements, numbers or colors.
- Checkers. Individuals in this category have a constant need to check things repeatedly which they relate with danger or harm.
Treatment for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Cognitive-behavioral Therapy
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is one of the most common treatment method preferred by a lot of individuals with OCD. This approach focuses on all negative, exaggerated and catastrophic thoughts. A major part of cognitive-behavioral therapy teaches healthy and efficient ways to respond to all obsessive thoughts without the need to resort to compulsive behaviour.
- Group Therapy. This is one of the most helpful approaches to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder done by allowing fellow sufferers to interact with each other. Group therapy gives encouragement, support and lessens the sense of isolation.
- Family Therapy. Since obsessive-compulsive disorder usually affects social adjustment and family life, family therapy is commonly advised. This type of therapy is very helpful in promoting understanding about the disorder to help reduce conflicts within the family. Aside from this, since family members will have a better understanding of what their loved one is going through, family therapy can motivate and teach them on how they can possibly help.
- Medication. There are times when antidepressants are prescribed by doctors in combination with the therapy. Nevertheless, taking medication alone is seldom efficient in curing the symptoms of obsessive compulsive disorder.
- Self-help. It is possible to simply do a self-help therapy to treat OCD. The first important step is to educate yourself regarding the disorder.