While you may have certain things you check frequently, certain thoughts you have a lot, or even certain rituals you perform each day, people with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) become obsessed with these things. Whether it’s frequently washing their hands, repeatedly counting items, or obsessively cleaning their environment, people with OCD perform these things in hopes of either preventing or getting rid of certain thoughts.
Some of the other signs of this disorder include:
- Being preoccupied with symmetry and order
- Difficulty throwing things away
- Hoarding unneeded items
- Fear of germs, dirt, or intruders
- Repeated thoughts or images about acts of violence or sexual acts
- Completing these rituals provides only temporary relief, while not performing those rituals increases anxiety.
- Conflicts with religious beliefs
- Being preoccupied with repeatedly performing the same rituals (e.g., locking and unlocking doors, washing hands, counting)
- Repeating the same steps repeatedly
- The inability to control unwanted thoughts and behaviors
- Fear of being contaminated by toxins or illness
- The inability to control the urge to perform certain sexual acts
- Fear of losing control
- Moral doubt
When you suffer from OCD, your thoughts and ideas are so out of control that they become disturbing. Uncomfortable feelings like doubt, fear, or disgust are quite common for those who suffer from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in Clearwater. When left untreated, these obsessions can consume a person’s life. Otherwise, it can be a relapsing illness.
Many people want to know why this happens. Researchers believe that it’s due to a combination of biological and environmental factors. Seemingly there are problems in communication between the different areas in a person’s brain. This is why a combination of therapy and medication is frequently prescribed.
Whether you or your loved one is suffering from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, you shouldn’t suffer alone. At Mental Health Treatment Tampa Bay in Clearwater, FL, we’re here to help you regain control over your life. Reach out to us today.