OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER

Do thoughts come into your mind, and you have trouble letting them go?
Do you believe these ideas are internal rather than from some outside source?
Do you wash your hands more than most people?
Do you find yourself checking things over and over again?
Is there any behavior you can't resist doing? Fear that if you don't do this action something bad will happen?
Do you have to have things done in a certain way?
Do thoughts and behaviors interfere with your day-to-day functioning?

The movie "As Good as it Gets" portrays Jack Nickolson as a man suffering with obsessive compulsive disorder. Funny as it may have appeared on screen, OCD is a disorder that is debilitating for many individuals. It is called the "doubting disease" and is characterized by obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors.

Obsessive compulsive disorder is defined as an anxiety disorder, which is potentially disabling. A person becomes trapped in a pattern of repetitive thoughts or behaviors that are senseless and distressing. Individuals fear they must perform compulsive behaviors or something horrible will happen to them or those around them. Obsessive compulsive disorder affects more than 2 percent of the population. Current theories suggest that OCD is a biological disease caused by an imbalance of chemicals called serotonin in the brain.

Common obsessions are:

• Washing: The person feels the need to clean or wash excessively to prevent contamination.
  
• Checking: The person feels the need to arrange things in a particular order or repeatedly check to see if light switches or appliances be turned off or if doors are locked.
  
• Counting: The person counts things over and over before they can feel confident they may move on to another activity Collecting or hoarding: The person collects things of certain importance and fears that something bad will occur if the items are thrown away.
  
• Arranging and Organizing: The person must put things in perfect symmetry or a certain order to feel serenity.

OCD people rarely reveal their symptoms to others. They know that what they are doing is "odd" but they can't make themselves stop. Many times friends and family do not realize the severity of the disorder because of the secretive nature of those suffering from the condition.

Some common signs that someone you love has OCD include: repetitive behaviors, a need for constant reassurance, increased worry over minor details, avoidance of certain situations or events, taking longer than usual to complete tasks and constant tardiness. You also might notice depression because 75% of OCD sufferers also experience major depressive episodes.

But there is help: Reach out and for help from a professional therapist or counselor who specializes in OCD. Statistics show 60-80% of OCD clients are helped by a combination of therapy and medication. Join a support group in the area. Call us for help 693-8200.