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.
There are several categories of patients that exist depending on the predominant pattern of symptoms. Washers, for instance, are patients who have an extreme fear of contamination. They will be seen cleaning and hand washing every time. Checkers, on the other hand, tend to check some things every now and then. This applies mostly to things that if not properly done are likely to lead to danger or losses.
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.
There are a number of self-help activities that can be undertaken to alleviate the symptoms. Relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation help to keep fears at bay. This is because many of the behaviors that are seen in OCD patients are triggered by stressful events. Engage in these physical activities for at least 30 minutes daily. Regular exercise has similar benefits as it helps refocus your mind when the unwanted thoughts arise.
Another lifestyle change that you can undertake is to alter you eating habits so that they are healthier. Take a heavy and nutritious breakfast and follow this up with smaller frequent meals in the course of the day. This is meant to help you avoid hypoglycemia that is a known trigger of stress. Ensure that your diet has plenty of carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables. Complex carbohydrates stimulate the production of serotonin which helps to maintain calmness.
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.
Other types of therapies that are useful include family and group therapies. In family therapy, the members of the family are rallied to provide support for the affected member. They learn more about the condition and how best they can live with the affected member. In group therapy, affected persons learn coping skills from each other by attending regular sessions.
There are several categories of patients that exist depending on the predominant pattern of symptoms. Washers, for instance, are patients who have an extreme fear of contamination. They will be seen cleaning and hand washing every time. Checkers, on the other hand, tend to check some things every now and then. This applies mostly to things that if not properly done are likely to lead to danger or losses.
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.
There are a number of self-help activities that can be undertaken to alleviate the symptoms. Relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation help to keep fears at bay. This is because many of the behaviors that are seen in OCD patients are triggered by stressful events. Engage in these physical activities for at least 30 minutes daily. Regular exercise has similar benefits as it helps refocus your mind when the unwanted thoughts arise.
Another lifestyle change that you can undertake is to alter you eating habits so that they are healthier. Take a heavy and nutritious breakfast and follow this up with smaller frequent meals in the course of the day. This is meant to help you avoid hypoglycemia that is a known trigger of stress. Ensure that your diet has plenty of carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables. Complex carbohydrates stimulate the production of serotonin which helps to maintain calmness.
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.
Other types of therapies that are useful include family and group therapies. In family therapy, the members of the family are rallied to provide support for the affected member. They learn more about the condition and how best they can live with the affected member. In group therapy, affected persons learn coping skills from each other by attending regular sessions.
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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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