by Dolly DeVonderland

Created on: June 03, 2009

Obsessive compulsive disorder, also called OCD, is a two-part disorder. The Obsession is an irrationally feared potential for harm, and the compulsion is the tasks done to prevent the problem or quiet the fear. It's a psychological condition wherein the sufferer feels an intense anxiety which they relieve through repeated acts or rituals. These rituals can take many forms, from washing one's hands to quiet a fear of germs to tapping out a rhythm to 'correct' for a anxiety-causing action. The correcting can seem like an atonement or an apology, though the symptoms, whatever form they may take, are beyond the control of the sufferer. A repeated worry does not make for OCD. OCD is a problem that effects many areas of the lives of those who sufferer this condition.

When OCD is diagnosed, it is in cases where the symptoms are taking a toll on the life of the person diagnosed. Their anxieties may prevent OCD sufferers from taking an active role in their life. Despite pleas from loved ones, someone suffering from OCD cannot 'just snap out of it' or simply stop doing their compulsions. It is a debilitating condition, and should be treated by trained therapists and mental health professionals. If left untreated, the symptoms can become worse, and the victim can potentially become housebound by their fears. The rituals become more elaborate the longer the condition is allowed to run amok. The time devoted to performing these tasks to quell one's anxieties can take over the better part of one's waking hours in severe cases.

Treatment for OCD is often difficult, the road to recovery is hard, but it can be achieved through therapy. The most successful therapies for anxiety disorders such as OCD take a cognitive approach, that is by examining the thought process, the causes of fears are disarmed. Through working with a trained therapist using cognitive therapies, the root of the obsession is addressed. These sessions can be intense, particularly when 'exposure' is called for. By facing the fearful situation in a therapeutic setting, the compulsive rituals can be quieted in a healthy way. Mental training takes place to teach new ways to address the fears before the exposure takes place. For example, a patient who washes their hands excessively in fear of germs may be asked by their touch something dirty and not wash their hands for five minutes afterwards. As treatment goes further, the time may be increased, or the situations can be made more intense. Do not attempt any type of therapy without the help of a trusted and trained professional. Taking time to carefully select a treatment choice can make all the difference in successfully treating OCD.

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