Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a sub type of anxiety disorders. Affected persons tend to have uncontrollable and undesired thoughts that frequently culminate in compulsive ritualized behaviors. Although the patients may understand that their thoughts and behaviors are irrational, they often feel that they cannot resist. There are several things concerning obsessive compulsive disorder Northwest Indiana patients will find helpful if they have been diagnosed with the condition.
Patients fall into several categories depending on the most predominant behavior. Washers are those that are constantly afraid of contaminating themselves. They struggle with hand washing and cleaning compulsions. Checkers have the habit of checking things all the time especially those that are associated with danger if not done. This may include repeatedly checking that the door is locked or the tap water has been turned off.
Another category comprises doubters and sinners. The persons that fall under this group keep worrying that some tasks have not been done as required and are at a risk of being punished even when there is really no need to be afraid. Counters and arrangers try to achieve order and symmetry in almost everything. At times, they hold superstitions about certain numbers or colors. The last group is that of hoarders who are obsessed with hoarding things that they actually do not need.
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.
Another lifestyle change that you can undertake is to alter you eating habits so that they are healthier. Take a heavy and nutritious breakfast and follow this up with smaller frequent meals in the course of the day. This is meant to help you avoid hypoglycemia that is a known trigger of stress. Ensure that your diet has plenty of carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables. Complex carbohydrates stimulate the production of serotonin which helps to maintain calmness.
There are several drugs that have been approved for the management of OCD. The most effective are those that belong to the group of tricyclic antidepressants. Examples include clomipramine and imipramine. The mechanism of action is that they increase the availability of serotonin, a hormone that helps us to relax. Side effects include nausea, tremors, constipation and impotence among others.
The most commonly administered therapy is cognitive behavior therapy or CBT. One of the strategies used here is termed exposure and response prevention. It involves putting the patient in the presence of triggers of obsessive thoughts. They are, however, asked to refrain from the compulsive actions. The second strategy is known as cognitive therapy. The patient is meant to understand that they have to take responsibility for each of their actions.
Family and group therapy are other examples of effective therapies. Family therapy helps members of the family to understand the condition better and how they can best help the patient to cope. They learn to be kind to them and how to communicate to them more positively. Group therapy involves persons that have the same condition meeting and being counseled together. The members learn coping strategies from each other.
Patients fall into several categories depending on the most predominant behavior. Washers are those that are constantly afraid of contaminating themselves. They struggle with hand washing and cleaning compulsions. Checkers have the habit of checking things all the time especially those that are associated with danger if not done. This may include repeatedly checking that the door is locked or the tap water has been turned off.
Another category comprises doubters and sinners. The persons that fall under this group keep worrying that some tasks have not been done as required and are at a risk of being punished even when there is really no need to be afraid. Counters and arrangers try to achieve order and symmetry in almost everything. At times, they hold superstitions about certain numbers or colors. The last group is that of hoarders who are obsessed with hoarding things that they actually do not need.
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.
Another lifestyle change that you can undertake is to alter you eating habits so that they are healthier. Take a heavy and nutritious breakfast and follow this up with smaller frequent meals in the course of the day. This is meant to help you avoid hypoglycemia that is a known trigger of stress. Ensure that your diet has plenty of carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables. Complex carbohydrates stimulate the production of serotonin which helps to maintain calmness.
There are several drugs that have been approved for the management of OCD. The most effective are those that belong to the group of tricyclic antidepressants. Examples include clomipramine and imipramine. The mechanism of action is that they increase the availability of serotonin, a hormone that helps us to relax. Side effects include nausea, tremors, constipation and impotence among others.
The most commonly administered therapy is cognitive behavior therapy or CBT. One of the strategies used here is termed exposure and response prevention. It involves putting the patient in the presence of triggers of obsessive thoughts. They are, however, asked to refrain from the compulsive actions. The second strategy is known as cognitive therapy. The patient is meant to understand that they have to take responsibility for each of their actions.
Family and group therapy are other examples of effective therapies. Family therapy helps members of the family to understand the condition better and how they can best help the patient to cope. They learn to be kind to them and how to communicate to them more positively. Group therapy involves persons that have the same condition meeting and being counseled together. The members learn coping strategies from each other.
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