Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a disorder that features patterns of unreasonable thoughts and fears (obsessions) leading to repetitive behaviors (compulsions). The obsessions and compulsions frustrate daily activities and cause great distress. OCD does not go away on its own but can be resolved by seeking treatment. OCD in Rancho Cucamonga provides you with the best treatment plan to prevent OCD from disrupting your day-to-day life.
What Are the Common Obsession Symptoms?
OCD obsessions are recurrent, persistent and unwanted urges or thoughts that are intrusive and cause anxiety and distress. These obsessions often intrude when you are trying to think of something else or when going about your activities.
You often find yourself ignoring the obsessions or getting rid of them by performing compulsive behaviors or rituals. The intrusive thoughts are not often settled by reasoning or logic. Typical obsessions include:
- An excessive concern of dirt and contamination
- A great need for exactness or symmetry
- Horrific or aggressive thought about harming yourself or others
- Unwanted thoughts involving religious or sexual subjects
Obsessive symptoms include fear of being contaminated by objects touched by others and intense stress when objects are disorderly. Doubts of not having locked the door or turning off the stove, for instance, are also obsession symptoms of OCD.
What Are the Common Compulsion Symptoms?
Compulsions are recurrent behaviors or mental acts that you feel driven to carry out in response to obsessions. Such behaviors are aimed at reducing or preventing the distress caused by a fearful situation or obsession.
In severe cases, the constant repetition of specific behaviors or rituals may be the order of the day. Although the compulsions bring some relief to your worry, they make it difficult for you to have a normal routine. Examples of compulsion symptoms include:
- A thorough cleaning to eliminate germs and dirt that will contaminate you. To the extent of spending hours washing yourself or cleaning your surroundings.
- Repeating certain tasks in order to dispel anxiety. You may find yourself uttering a name or phrase repeatedly to guard against fear.
- Constantly checking yourself or your surroundings. For instance, to confirm whether you have locked the door or turned off the stove.
- Thorough arrangement of items in order to reduce discomfort. You may find that you put certain objects, such as books or household items, in a particular order.
- Mental compulsions characterized by activities such as shouting obscenities or murmuring phrases to reduce anxiety.
When Should You See a Doctor?
As soon as you realize that you are unable to control unwanted thoughts or urges, chances are you may have OCD. You should consult a healthcare provider if such thoughts take up at least an hour of your day.
You should see a doctor immediately if you notice interference of your daily activities by your fears, thoughts or responses. A psychological evaluation of your fears, feelings, obsessions, and compulsions will then be done.
The diagnosis process may also involve a physical exam to ascertain whether your symptoms are caused by a health condition. Blood tests may also be done to check your blood count and to examine drugs or alcohol in your body system.
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