Obsessive compulsive disorder or OCD is a type of anxiety disorder. It is characterized by frequent uncontrollable and unwanted thoughts associated with ritualized behaviors that the affected person feels that they are compelled to perform. In spite of persons being aware that their thoughts and the compulsive behaviors are irrational, they tend to feel that they cannot resist them. There are a number of facts on obsessive compulsive disorder Northwest Indiana residents need to know.
There are a number of categories of patients that exist. The classification is based on the predominant pattern of symptoms. One of the groups is that of washers. These are persons that have an extreme fear for contamination. They tend to constantly clean things and wash their hands even when there is no real need for the same. The predominant symptom in the group of checkers is constant worry to keep checking that things are properly done.
Doubters and sinners form another category. Persons who fall in this category have a constant worry that they have not done tasks as is required and always fear that they will be punished while in reality they have exceeded expectations. Counters and arrangers have an obsession for symmetry and order. They may exhibit unnecessary superstitions towards certain shapes, colors or arrangements. The last group is made up of hoarders. These accumulate things unnecessarily in the fear that there will be a shortage.
If you are diagnosed with OCD, you can take part in a number of self-help activities that will help you avoid stress, a known trigger for compulsive thoughts and actions. Relaxation techniques that have been shown to be beneficial include meditation and yoga. Strive to have a 30 minute session every day. Physical exercise has similar benefits.
You need to modify your diet and make it healthier. It is recommended that you include fruits, vegetables and complex carbohydrates in the diet as often as possible. The carbohydrates stimulate the production of a calming hormone known as serotonin. Breakfast should be the heaviest meal and should be followed by more frequent smaller meals as your day progresses. This will ensure that your sugars remain high and that you avoid the stress associated with hypoglycemia.
A number of pharmacological agents are effective in managing the symptoms of OCD. Tricyclic antidepressants in particular are among those that are commonly used. Examples of tricyclic antidepressants include imipramine and clomipramine. These drugs achieve their effect by increasing the amount of serotonin available in the brain. Serotonin is generally a relaxation hormone. Their side effects include tremors, nausea, impotence and constipation.
Cognitive behavior therapy or CBT is one of the therapies offered to these patients. It employs two strategies; the first, exposure and response prevention is where patients are repeatedly exposed to the triggers that lead to obsessive thoughts and asked to refrain from the associated compulsive behaviors. The second, cognitive therapy, on the other hand, a sense of responsibility is created in the patient to help counter unwanted behaviors.
Other types of therapies that are useful include family and group therapies. In family therapy, the members of the family are rallied to provide support for the affected member. They learn more about the condition and how best they can live with the affected member. In group therapy, affected persons learn coping skills from each other by attending regular sessions.
There are a number of categories of patients that exist. The classification is based on the predominant pattern of symptoms. One of the groups is that of washers. These are persons that have an extreme fear for contamination. They tend to constantly clean things and wash their hands even when there is no real need for the same. The predominant symptom in the group of checkers is constant worry to keep checking that things are properly done.
Doubters and sinners form another category. Persons who fall in this category have a constant worry that they have not done tasks as is required and always fear that they will be punished while in reality they have exceeded expectations. Counters and arrangers have an obsession for symmetry and order. They may exhibit unnecessary superstitions towards certain shapes, colors or arrangements. The last group is made up of hoarders. These accumulate things unnecessarily in the fear that there will be a shortage.
If you are diagnosed with OCD, you can take part in a number of self-help activities that will help you avoid stress, a known trigger for compulsive thoughts and actions. Relaxation techniques that have been shown to be beneficial include meditation and yoga. Strive to have a 30 minute session every day. Physical exercise has similar benefits.
You need to modify your diet and make it healthier. It is recommended that you include fruits, vegetables and complex carbohydrates in the diet as often as possible. The carbohydrates stimulate the production of a calming hormone known as serotonin. Breakfast should be the heaviest meal and should be followed by more frequent smaller meals as your day progresses. This will ensure that your sugars remain high and that you avoid the stress associated with hypoglycemia.
A number of pharmacological agents are effective in managing the symptoms of OCD. Tricyclic antidepressants in particular are among those that are commonly used. Examples of tricyclic antidepressants include imipramine and clomipramine. These drugs achieve their effect by increasing the amount of serotonin available in the brain. Serotonin is generally a relaxation hormone. Their side effects include tremors, nausea, impotence and constipation.
Cognitive behavior therapy or CBT is one of the therapies offered to these patients. It employs two strategies; the first, exposure and response prevention is where patients are repeatedly exposed to the triggers that lead to obsessive thoughts and asked to refrain from the associated compulsive behaviors. The second, cognitive therapy, on the other hand, a sense of responsibility is created in the patient to help counter unwanted behaviors.
Other types of therapies that are useful include family and group therapies. In family therapy, the members of the family are rallied to provide support for the affected member. They learn more about the condition and how best they can live with the affected member. In group therapy, affected persons learn coping skills from each other by attending regular sessions.
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You can get a complete review of the things to keep in mind when choosing an obsessive compulsive disorder Northwest Indiana treatment professional at http://anxietybehavioralhealth.com right now.
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