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OCD Symptoms Treatment

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is a biochemical imbalance in the brain that affects the brain's neurotransmitters causing ruminating thoughts, and is usually coupled with repeated compulsions. This vicious cycle keeps the sufferer trapped, but treatment is available for those seeking help.

  1. Features

    • According to Melinda Smith, M.A., Ellen Jaffe-Gill, M.A., and Jeanne Segal, Ph.D., OCD symptoms are not limited to but include the following: "fear of germs and contamination, fear of causing harm either to one's self or others, intrusive violent thoughts and images, and the need to excessively order and arrange things so they are 'just right.'" Other symptoms include repeatedly checking, cleaning and counting.

    Effects

    • OCD affects all areas of life from work to relationships. This disorder continually interrupts tasks of daily living such as keeping physically healthy, maintaining a career, enjoying personal relationships and effectively dealing with personal hardships and struggles.

    Treatment

    • Many options are available for someone struggling with OCD. Dr. Michael A. Jenike, Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and the Chairman of OC Foundation Scientific Advisory Board, reports that "six drugs are shown to be effective in treating OCD: fluvoxamine (Luvox), fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), paroxetine (Paxil), citalopram (Celexa), and clomipramine (Anafranil)." Along with medication, however, comes the daily practice of recovery through such helps as cognitive and behavioral therapy and support groups. Always check with a physician before starting treatment.

    Education

    • Loved ones may have a difficult time understanding why their friend or relative is powerless to stop these obsessions and compulsions. Education is the key to recognizing this disorder. While OCD is treatable, it is not curable.

    Misconceptions

    • People who enjoy order, symmetry and cleanliness, or have interesting quirks such as collecting things that most people would discard does not mean they have OCD. This disorder causes misery. People with OCD receive no joy or pleasure from performing certain compulsions or finding themselves stuck with obsessive thoughts.

    Famous Ties

    • Famous people who suffered from OCD included Albert Einstien, Michelangelo and Nikola Tesla.

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