Living with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Written by John Potter

Everybody has quirks and different aspects of life that are personally on the top of the priority list. But, it can become a big problem, if a passion overshadows all other things in life. For example, some people are so concerned about germs and cleanliness, they might was their hands a hundred times per day. As you can imagine, this ultimately causes other health issues as the skin is constantly assaulted. So, what can be done, if you or someone you love is living with an obsessive-compulsive disorder?

Medically Speaking

Unlike many other mental health issues individuals who suffer from this mental disorder generally recognized they have a serious problem. Yet, they do not have the power to stop their unwanted behavior. As defined by the Mayo Clinic:

(OCD) is a type of anxiety disorder in which you have unreasonable thoughts and fears (obsessions) that lead you to engage in repetitive behaviors (compulsions). With obsessive-compulsive disorder, you may realize that your obsessions aren't reasonable, and you may try to ignore them or stop them. But that only increases your distress and anxiety. Ultimately, you feel driven to perform compulsive acts in an effort to ease your distress.

In other words, having an unnaturally obsessive habit, whether originally good or bad, cannot be reduced or eradicated without treatment for OCD.

What Happened?

People who recognize that they have OCD do not choose to be that way. In fact, for some the problem has gotten so bad, it is difficult to live a normal life. Work and personal relationships are adversely affected.

Although the reasons are not definitive, some tests suggest people who suffer obsessive-compulsive disorder may have a genetic predisposition. It may actually be a chemical imbalance in the brain. It also seems that a lack of serotonin in the brain may be a contributing factor for OCD. Studies show individuals that have this particular mental disorder have less than those who seem to be “normal”.

Of course, environment might have something to do with certain obsessive behavior. How a person is raised has a lot of influence on who they become as adults. The most unusual culprit might be strep throat. But, it is not a proven theory at this point.

You are not Alone

For those who suffer from OCD, it is important to know that they are not alone. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 2.2 million Americans have some form of obsessive-compulsive disorder. Nevertheless, it is equally important to understand that help is needed to overcome OCD. Without medical help, the staff at Mayo Clinic suggests that sufferers will have one or more of the following complications:

Suicidal thoughts and behavior
Alcohol or substance abuse
Other anxiety disorders
Depression
Eating disorders
Contact dermatitis from frequent hand washing
Inability to attend work or school
Troubled relationships
Overall poor quality of life

So, it is extremely important to seek professional help and get a definitive OCD diagnosis, so treatment can start immediately. Do not worry that someone will arbitrarily suggest you have this mental disorder. In fact, the Mayo Clinic has a long list of specific criteria patients must meet, before receiving treatment:

You must have either obsessions or compulsions.
You must realize that your obsessions and compulsions are excessive or unreasonable.
Obsessions and compulsions significantly interfere with your daily routine.

Your obsessions must meet these specific criteria:

Recurrent and persistent thoughts, impulses or images that are intrusive and cause distress.
The thoughts aren't simply excessive worries about real problems in your life.
You try to ignore or suppress these thoughts, images or impulses.
You know that these thoughts, images and impulses are a product of your own mind.

Compulsions must meet these specific criteria:

Repetitive behavior that you feel driven to perform, such as hand washing, or repetitive mental acts, such as counting silently.
These behaviors or mental acts are meant to prevent or reduce distress about unrealistic obsessions.

Unfortunately, the symptoms mirror other mental health challenges , so it might take some time to get a final diagnosis. But, it will be worth the wait, if treatment is around the corner. Therapy and medications are often used together, in order to help those with OCD. Patients can learn other coping skills that will help make the inappropriate behavior unnecessary. Also, anti-depressants are most commonly used to help curb the need to be obsessive-compulsive.

In short, obsessive-compulsive disorder is a common mental illness. Over two million people share the same plight. However, once it is diagnosed, it can be successfully treated. With a combination of psychotherapy and medication, people can learn other coping skills to minimize the need to enact certain behaviors. As a result, it is possible to learn healthier coping skills and go on to lead happy and successful lives.

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