Are you a perfectionist? Has someone used the term “OCD” to describe your personality? Your attention to detail? While we sometimes use the term loosely, OCD is a behavioral health disorder, while perfectionism is very different.
OCD is characterized by unreasonable thoughts and fears (obsessions) that lead to compulsive behaviors. Doubting and having difficulty tolerating uncertainty are common traits of someone with obsessive compulsive disorder. Needing things orderly and symmetrical or having aggressive or horrific thoughts about losing control and harming oneself or others is typical. Additionally, genetics, brain abnormalities, and the environment are thought to play a role. It often starts in the teens or early adulthood.
4 Types of OCD
- contamination
- symmetry or order
- hoarding
- harm
Studies also show that patients have abnormal activity in frontal regions of the brain. This abnormal activity has some bearing on the patient’s intrusive thoughts and high levels of anxiety. Also, stressful life events can trigger obsessive thoughts. Patients who have experienced traumatic or stressful events, have an increased risk. This reaction may, for some reason, trigger the intrusive thoughts, rituals and emotional distress characteristic of OCD .
Basically, patients who are struggling with obsessive compulsive disorder can benefit from treatment in the form cognitive behavioral therapy or some medications.
If you or someone you love is has been diagnosed with obsessive compulsive disorder and want to try an alternative treatment to medication, contact our office to schedule with Jolyn.
