Obsessive compulsive disorder, or OCD, is a mental health issue that impacts a unexpectedly large number of Americans. While there are several telltale signals, the disorder can show itself in ways unique to each sufferer. At its root, OCD is an anxiety disorder. One is afflicted by repeating, distressful thoughts that, in turn, may create the need to carry out specific routine behaviors in an attempt to alleviate the mental anguish.

Many people are afflicted with OCD without knowing it. Treatment must always start with an accurate diagnosis. Because symptoms will vary from person to person, it’s important to seek the advice of professional help, to begin the process of healing.
 
Anywhere from five to seven million Americans suffer from obsessive compulsive disorder. The condition is characterized by uncontrollable thoughts, fears or mental images called obsessions. As a reaction, the patient feels required to carry out specific rituals or actions as a means of alleviating the obsessions. The rituals only offer short-term relief, though, at which point the vicious cycle starts all over again.
 
Obsessions range from concern about germs to fear of making a mistake or behaving in an irregular way. Needing order, symmetry or exactness are other obsessive tendencies, as is a need for continual reassurance caused by excessive uncertainty. Compulsions caused by obsessive thought patterns usually follow logically. Thus, a patient with an obsessive fear of germs might wash their hands or shower over and over again or refuse to shake hands or touch doorknobs. Repetitive checking of such things as door locks or stoves is another symptom. Others include constant counting or arranging, adhering to a exact order when eating, completing tasks an exact number of times and hoarding.
 
A different type of OCD is known as scrupulosity. Characterized by religious obsessions, sufferers feel as though they are always sinning or thinking evil thoughts. Sometimes the condition may manifest as a concern with blaspheming or a belief that they can never be forgiven because of their thoughts or their inability to perform a religious task in the correct way. As with other types of OCD, the mental images can be intolerable and the uncertainty paralyzing to the point that the person can hardly speak or act without suffering from a relapse.
 
Despite the variety of symptoms, there is hope for people who are afflicted by this debilitating mental condition. Through psychiatric therapy, a mental health professional works with the patient and bases their diagnosis on their observations as well as the patient’s own description of their behavior. Once diagnosed, a combination of serotonin-inducing medication and cognitive-behavioral therapy can help bring the patient out of the recurring cycle of despair. The best thing for those who feel they may suffer from this condition and who are tired of the effect it has on oneself and their relationships is to go to a psychiatrist. Help is well within reach, and it’s never too late to start down the road to recovery.

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