Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a form of mental illness that is known for causing repeated and unwanted thoughts. In order to get rid of those thoughts, a person with OCD will need to perform the same rituals or tasks a number of times. For instance, if you believe that everything that you touch is covered in germs, you might wash your hands countless times, until you develop dry skin and even blisters.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Causes:

At this stage, experts aren't sure what's responsible for this type of disorder. Research indicates that there could be a problem in patients with the way that one part of the brain sends information to the other. However, other people think that the problem could be linked to having a lack of serotonin in the brain. Additionally, some experts think that problems related to certain infections can suddenly cause the disorder or worsen the symptoms.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Signs and Symptoms:

The signs and symptoms of obsessive compulsive disorder can come and go in time and range from severe to mild. Anxiety is perhaps the most common symptom that most people experience. For instance, you might believe that something terrible is going to happen if you don't perform a certain task. The symptoms of the disorder can usually be linked to obsessions and compulsions.

For instance, obsessions include unwanted ideas, thoughts and impulses that you have over an excessive period of time. Usually, these thoughts simply won't go away and they might get in the way of your typical thoughts and cause fear and anxiety. Sometimes the thoughts may be violent in nature. Compulsions include behaviors that are repeated in an attempt to control an obsession. Some people have behaviors that are very rigid, whereas others have complex and changing behaviors.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Treatment Options:

When it comes to treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder, it's worth noting that different people will react differently to different options. Usually, treatment will include a combination of both therapy or counseling, and medicines. For instance, anti-depressant medications known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are very common in the treatment of OCD. The examples of these medications that are used most commonly include Zoloft and Prozac. When taking these medicines, you might begin to feel better within a period of around one to three weeks, but some people take around 12 weeks to start seeing any difference in their feelings.

When it comes to therapeutic treatment that can be used alongside medication to treat obsessive compulsive disorder, there are different types of counseling available. For instance, many counseling options will involve at least one form of cognitive behavioral therapy which uses the exposure and response method. This type of therapy works by slowly increasing the amount of contact you get with something that causes false beliefs or fears. With the assistance of an expert, this type of therapy may reduce your symptoms of OCD with time. Other therapies might help you to change the way that you think about things that could lead to your obsessive and compulsive behaviors.