Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder that is
characterized by recurrent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions), that produce a
sense of dread or alarm. Persons then engage in repetitive behaviors
(compulsions) in an attempt to rid themselves of the obsessive thoughts and
calm the anxiety.
If you suffer from obsessive compulsive disorder, then the chances are you will
relate to most of the following points:
1) Are your thoughts persistent and repetitive, going round and
round in your head like a song? My hands are dirty, my hands are dirty, are my
hands dirty, maybe they aren't, maybe a little, ok I'll wash them again just to
be sure.
2) Do you feel you have to
repetitively perform behaviors in order to quiet your thoughts? Count to 10,
avoid cracks in the pavement, clean over and over, check the front door, have
specific numbers of things"
3) Do your thoughts prevent you from
concentrating on anything else? Such as reading a book or following a
conversation? When reading, for example, you might read the same sentence
over and over and never actually take it in, because your obsessive thoughts
are overwhelming you.
4) Do your rituals prevent you from
functioning normally in everyday life, making you late for work every day or
even unable to leave the house at all?
5) Do your thoughts and behaviors
cause you significant distress, anxiety and tears?
If you answer yes to most of these then it's safe to say that you may suffer
from obsessive compulsive disorder. If you do suffer from OCD then you want to
get help. OCD is a biological disorder of the brain, which will not just go
away on its own. Don't suffer in silence and don't try to do it alone. OCD is a
hard illness to live with, and treatment options exist, so there is no need to
suffer unnecessarily.
Dr Annabelle R Charbit
Author of A Life Lived
Ridiculously
When a girl with obsessive compulsive disorder falls in love with a
sociopath, she must fight for her sanity and her life.
Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble
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