Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is classified as a psychiatric disorder and type of mental health disorder. It involves the individual having compulsions to do particular routines and can experience varying degrees of anxiety if that routine is altered in any way. Since we all know life have many variables you can imagine how difficult this can be.

Most of us have some small compulsions we have to live with. One of mine is that all the draws and cabinets have to be closed all the way. I can sit down to watch TV and see one open and it drives me crazy. For someone with OCD these types of issues lead to anxiety that affects their relationships and their ability to maintain employment.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Causes

There have been recorded incidents of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) throughout history, though it was not given a name until much later. Through the 15th Century main people with OCD were labeled as crazy or possessed by the devil. They were avoided by all the people of the village and not allowed to interact with children. Various foods and exorcism rituals were sometimes tried to get rid of the evil spirits that controlled the individual.

The debate of what causes OCD is still debated by many researchers today. Many believe it is a psychological disorder or mental health disorder that requires medication and therapy. Others believe that each person has complete control of their bodies and minds so they cause their own distress and anxiety related to the issues. Still yet, many in the medical profession believe that OCD is the result of a chemical imbalance in the brain.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Treatment

It is estimated that approximately 3% of the population suffers from some form of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). It does affect both men and women with women having a slightly higher percentage of reported cases. Since there are several different ideas about what causes OCD but no definite answers, there is not a known cure for it. The best option to ensure people can live a normal life is to find a treatment that works well for them.

Not everyone responds to OCD treatments the same way and that can be frustrating. It depends on the patient’s willingness to take their medication daily as well as their dedication to other forms of therapy along with it. Not everyone responds well to medication because each of us have a different chemical make up. It also depends on the severity of the OCD.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder in Children

In recent years doctors, specialists, psychologists, and psychiatrists have started correctly identifying the issue of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in children. For children with OCD, it is very important that a correct diagnosis is made as early in their life as possible. This will give the child the best chance of living a healthy and normal lifestyle. It is also important for parent’s to accept that their child has a mental disorder and is not simply a difficult or disobedient child.

Obsessive Compulsive Foundation

The Obsessive Compulsive Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing information on Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) for those who suffer from it, their families, educators, and professions. They work hard to educate the public about OCD so that they realize how it affects individuals as well as their families. They also provide information so that families can look for signs of OCD in their children and ask for an assessment to be completed.

The statistics when it comes to OCD treatment aren’t very good, and the Obsessive Compulsion Foundation is trying to make them better. The average person with OCD will see at least four different doctors over a nine year period before they get a proper diagnosis. That is simply too much time spend suffering without benefiting from therapy and medications.