Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental disorder that can be common, chronic and long lasting disorder in which the person feels they need to check things repetitively, perform certain routines repetitively. It is characterized by unreasonable thoughts and fears that make you repeat certain things in a certain way.
Examples of these repeated activities are hand washing, counting of things and checking if the door is locked.
Obsessive compulsive disorder often happen to people younger than 35 years of age.
Examples of compulsions are excessive cleaning or hand washing, arranging things in a particular way or in the same process.
Do I have OCD because I love checking the door always?
You can’t be so sure of that.
I am a nurse, and I practice the hand washing procedure every time. Does that mean I have OCD? No!
The fact that you have a particular habit or routine doesn’t mean you have OCD. It is when you are obsessed with that particular thing, so much that you can’t function properly without doing it.
If you do not act on these obsessions, you might experience an intense feeling of anxiety because you get to worry a lot by not doing what you find really compulsory to do.
So here are few actions that will help you recognize if you have OCD:
- You will not be able to control your thoughts or behavior, even when those around you complain of the excessive activity actions you put up.
- You might also experience significant problems in your daily life due to these thoughts.
Causes:
- Genetics
- Brain structure and functions
- Environment’
I offered Psychiatric Nursing in my 300 level and when the lecturer mentioned names of mental disorders, I and my friends allocated each diagnosis to each flatmate.
There was a flat mate of mine who suffered the obsessive compulsive disorder. She was particularly too obsessed about the state of her room, the way she placed her shoes, hand bags. Her best chores then was the sweeping of the house and while she swept the sitting room, she exhibited an angry expression because every one complained about her.
The lady in question grew up as the last born of the family, she had people who ordered her around, thus, she grew up with fears in her. I used to call her the routine girl.
She had the same method of arranging her school bag, her church bag, her books.
Do you need help?
Having known that OCD is bad, coupled with the fact that you might be depressed and suffer anxiety.
If you notice any of these, you should see a doctor.
I will encourage that you get a personality test to help your mental health.
Psychotherapy will be an effective treatment for adults and children with OCD, and it is usually the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
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