Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) involves repetitive and obsessive thoughts, often accompanied by compulsive impulses. These obsessions are often overwhelming, and the only way a person can alleviate these unwanted thoughts is to repeat the activity until they are extinguished.
Do you recall your friend saying she has to go home and clean her house because she is OCD about cleaning? This and many more are examples of a variety of myths surrounding this disorder, including the belief that OCD sufferers are very tidy and clean.
In fact, the Counseling for OCD Albany NY Department as stated that OCD is a much more complex condition which can make it very difficult for the affected individual and those close to them to function on a daily basis. Understanding the condition is one of the toughest obstacles for family and friends. However it is possible for those with OCD to discover ways to help handle the disorder. In case you wish to know more, contact the experts, and talk to the right people.
Obsessive compulsive disorder is not similar among all patients; it affects people differently. There are however, patterns of actions and thoughts that are triggered by the disorder. Read the facts stated by the Counseling for OCD Albany NY Department below to understand the underlying symptoms.
The four main habits that lead to OCD are:
- Obsession – an unwelcome, constant, uncontrollable thinking that enters your mind.
- Anxiety – You begin to feel depressed and nervous about the obsession.
- Compulsion – You find a compulsive desire to perform repeated acts or actions because of the tension or anxiety induced by fixation.
- Temporary relief – You feel temporarily relieved after behaving compulsive. This cycle repeats itself as fixation returns, usually shortly after.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is aanswer to a person suffering from OCD. CBT uses two clinically based strategies to improve the actions and perception of a person which are Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and Cognitive Therapy. CBT is done by a Cognitive Behavioral Consultant who has special experience in the treatment of OCD.
Most CBT therapy is done at the therapist’s office once a week with activities to take home and practice at home between sessions. ERP is usually conducted by a licensed mental health professional in an outpatient environment. If your OCD is very serious, you may need to attend more number of sessions.