Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
What is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder characterized by continual intrusive obsessions, which often result in compulsions. Because compulsions only provide temporary relief of the obsessions, both the obsessions and compulsions keep recurring in a cycle pattern. These patterns are excessive and can dominate a person’s life.
Things to Remeber:
Although obsessions are illogical, unwanted and unrealistic, they cannot be stopped or ignored.
The obsessions are unrealistic and not just excessive worries about real problems in one’s life.
People with OCD may spend an hour or more every day carrying out rituals; this can disrupt one’s life and relationships.
Some common obsessions
Contamination by dirt, germs, or other diseases (e.g. by shaking someone’s hand)
Forgetting to do something that could cause harm (e.g. turning off the stove or locking the door)
Things not being "just right" and becoming distressed when things are shifted or touched
Focus on exactness and order
Having blasphemous thoughts or preoccupation with religious images and thoughts
Thoughts of harming oneself (e.g. while eating with a knife or a fork)
Thoughts of harming others (e.g. harming babies or pushing someone in front of a train)
Forbidden or unwanted sexual thoughts, images or urges (e.g. recurrent pornographic images)
Some common obessions
Excessive worrying
Feeling apprehensive
Feeling irritable
Difficulty concentrating
Feeling powerless
Sense of impending danger, panic or doom
How to get help: The best way to get help if you think you have OCD is to contact your family doctor or a psychartist to get looked at for it. You may be experencing these symptoms due to a medical illness and not a mental illness or it could also be another mental illness.
What to do if someone you know has OCD
Do not blame or judge your friend or loved one. Statements like 'just get over it' are not helpful.
Let them know it is ok to talk to you about their thoughts and feelings. Ask them how you can help or go with them to their family doctor or a mental health professional.
Do not do it alone – get other people to provide help and support as well and ensure you take care of yourself also!
Sources:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/anxiety/DS01187
http://www.mooddisorders.ca/faq/anxiety-and-mood-disorders
http://www.anxietycanada.ca/english/index.php
http://www.cmha.ca/mental_health/obsessive-compulsive-disorder/#.UkwziRDB-UM
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/obsessive-compulsive-disorder/DS00189
http://www.camh.ca/en/hospital/health_information/a_z_mental_health_and_addiction_information/obsessive_compulsive_disorder/obsessive_compulsive_disorder_information_guide/Pages/ocd_whatis.aspx
http://www.healthcentral.com/anxiety/c/1443/117810/myths-compulsive/
http://www.everydayhealth.com/anxiety/8-common-myths-about-ocd.aspx
http://www.mindyourmind.ca
nfo on this page has been provided by the Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario
Copyright (c) 2004 by the Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario. This Fact Sheet may not be reproduced without written authorization from CMHA Ontario.
I hope the information here will help you out with OCD a bit more!
Travis Franklin
TF Support Networking President
