By Anonymous, Thu, March 31, 2011
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a psychiatric disorder that is generally characterized by non-stop thoughts and compulsive actions. These types of actions include, but aren’t limited to: checking on things, cleaning, counting and/or hoarding.
Professionals recognize this condition as one that can be particularly disabling and life-altering for its sufferers. Individuals who are stuck with OCD tend to have to repeat a pattern of repetitive and identical thoughts and behaviors that are extremely difficult to overcome.
This disorder is not limited to a single level of severity. It can be anything from a mild case to a serious, medication-requiring condition.
Essentially, people struggling with OCD have repeated impulses and ideas pop up in their head that the sufferers are incapable of forgetting or shrugging off. These ideas, in turn, include self-harm, harm to others, concerns of cleanliness, over-perfection and many other similar notions.
As a result of their impulses, individuals dealing with OCD tend to have to repeat certain behaviors known as “compulsions.” These compulsions can be anything, but most commonly, they involve washing or checking on things. Other less notable compulsions include counting, moving objects around, hoarding and repeating.
Often people suffering from OCD have particular rituals that they repeat on a daily basis. Other times, however, these rituals can be extremely complicated and always-changing.
With OCD becoming a more prevalent issue in society over the past few years, more and more attention is being devoted to helping individuals suffering from the condition.
