OCD symptoms - Obsessive compulsive disorder - OCD Rituals and checking - OCD Therapy - Treatment.

PRLog (Press Release) - May 21, 2010 -
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

People with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) suffer from unwanted and intrusive thoughts that they can't seem to get out of their heads (obsessions) and feel compelled to repeatedly perform ritualistic behaviors and routines (compulsions) to try and ease their anxiety. Most people who have OCD are aware that their obsessions and compulsions are irrational, yet feel powerless to stop them. Some spend hours at a time performing complicated rituals involving hand-washing, counting or checking in order to ward off persistent, unwelcome thoughts, feelings or images. Others live in terror that they will accidentally do something wrong, such as harm someone, blurt out an improper statement or throw something out by mistake.

For help goto http://www.therapy247.com

Common obsessions include:

* Constant, irrational worry about dirt, germs or contamination;

* Sexual thoughts that cause the person to be distressed

* Violent thoughts of hurting other people or themselves. Fear of those thoughts.

* Nagging feelings that something bad will happen if certain items aren't in an exact place, position or order;

* Preoccupation with a particular image or thought.

* Obsessing over the thought of one's bodily functions.

* Fear that one's negative or blasphemous thoughts or images will cause personal harm or harm to a loved one;

* Preoccupation with losing or throwing away objects with little or no value;

* Rumination about accidentally or purposefully injuring another person.

Common compulsions include:

Cleaning - Repeatedly washing one's hands, bathing or cleaning household items, often for hours at a time;

* Checking - Checking and re-checking, several to hundreds of times per day, that the doors are locked, stove is turned off, hairdryer is unplugged, etc.;

* Repeating - Unable to stop repeating a name, phrase or tune;

*Slowness - Excessive, painstakingly slow and methodical approach to daily activities; and

* Hoarding - Saving useless items such as old newspapers or magazines, bottle caps or rubber bands.

Obsessions and rituals can substantially interfere with a person's normal routine, schoolwork, job, family or social activities. Several hours each day may be spent focusing on obsessive thoughts and performing seemingly senseless rituals. Trying to concentrate on normal daily activities may be difficult. If left untreated, OCD can interfere with all aspects of one's life.

Children can suffer from OCD as well (see Children & Adolescents) as adults. Unlike adults, however, children with OCD do not realize that their obsessions and compulsions are excessive.
Source anxiety secrets.

For help goto http://www.therapy247.com