Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Ocd
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
People with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) have persistent, upsetting thoughts (obsessions) and use rituals (compulsions) to control the anxiety these thoughts produce. Most of the time, the rituals end up controlling them.
For example, if people are obsessed with germs or dirt, they may develop a compulsion to wash their hands over and over again. If they develop an obsession with intruders, they may lock and relock their doors many times before going to bed. Being afraid of social embarrassment may prompt people with OCD to comb their hair compulsively in front of a mirror-sometimes they get "caught" in the mirror and can't move away from it. Performing such rituals is not pleasurable. At best, it produces temporary relief from the anxiety created by obsessive thoughts.
Other common rituals are a need to repeatedly check things, touch things (especially in a particular sequence), or count things. Some common obsessions include having frequent thoughts of violence and harming loved ones, persistently thinking about performing sexual acts the person dislikes, or having thoughts that are prohibited by religious beliefs. People with OCD may also be preoccupied with order and symmetry, have difficulty throwing things out (so they accumulate), or hoard unneeded items.
Healthy people also have rituals, such as checking to see if the stove is off several times before leaving the house. The difference is that people with OCD perform their rituals even though doing so interferes with daily life and they find the repetition distressing. Although most adults with OCD recognize that what they are doing is senseless, some adults and most children may not realize that their behavior is out of the ordinary.
OCD affects about 2.2 million American adults, and the problem can be accompanied by eating disorders, other anxiety disorders, or depression. It strikes men and women in roughly equal numbers and usually appears in childhood, adolescence, or early adulthood. One-third of adults with OCD develop symptoms as children, and research indicates that OCD might run in families.
The course of the disease is quite varied. Symptoms may come and go, ease over time, or get worse. If OCD becomes severe, it can keep a person from working or carrying out normal responsibilities at home. People with OCD may try to help themselves by avoiding situations that trigger their obsessions, or they may use alcohol or drugs to calm themselves.
OCD usually responds well to treatment with certain medications and/or exposure-based psychotherapy, in which people face situations that cause fear or anxiety and become less sensitive (desensitized) to them. NIMH is supporting research into new treatment approaches for people whose OCD does not respond well to the usual therapies. These approaches include combination and augmentation (add-on) treatments, as well as modern techniques such as deep brain stimulation.
Anxiety Attacks - Anxiety Attacks
Many people have a phobia about being in crowds and becoming lightheaded or fainting is a common symptom that they experience.
Some medications or diseases can bring about a lot of the symptoms of an anxiety attack and so these need to be determined and dealt with first in order to eliminate any possible other issues.
How To Manage Panic Attack Symptoms
How To Manage Panic Attack Symptoms Wendy Posted in October 31st, 2007 Published in Anxiety Attack Symptoms Tagged in anxiety attacks, anxiety symptoms and panic attack symptoms Add to Delicious Digg it If you're new here, check out our popular post about conquering anxiety and panic attacks. Thanks for visiting!
Sleep And Anxiety Disorders
Sleep And Anxiety Disorders The subconscious is a dark and mysterious place. It can manifest itself in many forms. In the case of sleep and anxiety disorders, the subconscious may obsess to the point where the person experiences dreams and nightmares regularly. This may lead to sleep disorders which are often the result of psychological reasons
Why am I having an Anxiety Attack?
The immediate cause is believing one is trapped and helpless, by some overwhelming threat. It doesn't matter if the threat is real (crime or disaster, for example). It generally happens after several weeks or months of stress; more often with persons who are very worried, perfectionist, social avoidance, or who have had abuse in childhood
Who Is At Risk Of Anxiety & Panic Attacks?
Who Is At Risk Of Anxiety & Panic Attacks? Nearly anyone can suffer from panic attacks and anxiety - regardless of age, medical history and background. These attacks often occur when someone exaggerates a perceived danger or problem in their mind. Often these dangers and stresses are unlikely to occur, no matter how real they may seem to the
Other Anxiety Attacks Article Snippets:
Anxiety Is A Multifaceted Mix Of Emotions And Physical Sensations
"Fear is your body's natural reaction to a lot of outside stimuli and it is normal for the body to react in such a way as to become anxious or fearful because this often protected our ancestors from a lot of problems and harm."
Anti Anxiety Medication Can Help Control Anxiety Disorders
"Child panic attack disorder does not generally have a prescribed medication."
The Cause Of An Anxiety Attack In Todays World
"In the United States alone 40 million (18%) of the adult population is affected."
Anti Anxiety Drug - A Helping Hand When You Feel Lost
"Having anxiety attack disorder means always anticipating disaster, often worrying excessively about health, money, family, or work."