What Is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder - Free Essay Example

Obsessive-compulsive disorder most commonly known as OCD effects more than 200,000 people per year. But, what is OCD? What causes it? What are some of the symptoms? Is it treatable? Throughout these paragraphs, it will be shown how hard it is to live with OCD, and the way people with OCD see the world.What is OCD? To answer your question OCD is a mental disorder in which people have unwanted and repeated thoughts, feelings, ideas and behaviors that drive them to do something over and over. People with OCD may have compulsions, a tic disorder, or obsessions. Compulsions is when you repeat the same action over and over, a tic disorder is then someone repeatedly jerks their head, clears throat, shrugs shoulders, or facial grimacing. Obsessions is the inability to control thoughts or pictures of distress. To get rid of these obsessions or compulsions one must complete the task that was bothering them. This gives the person short term relief but if the person doesnt do these things then it can cause anxiety and distress. Then again the symptoms can vary throughout life so some of these things might not happen. Also, OCD can affect all ages primarily ages 6-60. According to the National Library of Medicine, the basic routine of OCD is when a person has an obsessive thought and they get anxiety over it. Then, the compulsive behavior kicks in along with the temporary relief. What cause OCD? Well, as North Point recovery says, When it comes to what exactly causes this disorder, the science is still out. Simply put, theres a lot more research that still needs to be done. It could be because of genetics, brain structure, the environment you live in, or your past. For example, if your parents or grandparents had OCD you have a very high chance of getting it. The most common form of OCD are, the people who are constantly clean things. The ones who repeatedly check over things. Finally the people who think that if they do something wrong or if something is out of place they will be punished. But, many people with OCD have a hard time completing tasks because of it. This is exactly why OCD is a struggle to live with. Now, OCD cant be self-diagnosed. You have to be diagnosed by a doctor who will then find a treatment for you. This could be therapies, medicines or both.Is OCD treatable? OCD can be life long, there are many treatments but they only help relieve an xiety. Some of the treatmen ts include medicines or therapy. Psychotherapy is the treatment of a mental disorder which can be with a group or one on one. A clinical psychologist treats mental disorders primarily with talk therapy. But, a psychiatrist treats mental disorders with medicines such as anxiolytics or antidepressants. With the help of NorthPoint Recovery I have been provided with examples of medicines; clomipramine, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, sertraline, and risperidone. These all can help lessen the effects of OCD. Some people may have agoraphobia or the fear of people and go outside. This can be cured by gradual exposure to the object this is called self-exposure therapy.So, there we have it. Ive answered all the common questions about OCD that were googled. If you dont have OCD be thankful, you know know what it is like to have OCD. Your life is way easier than the 200,000 people that are diagnosed per year in the U.S alone. This is an Important topic to talk about so people with OCD can understand more about it and where they can go to get help.