What is OCD Definition
Let us first decipher the abbreviation. OCD stands for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. To be able to launch our journey into OCD definition we need to clarify something out first.
We were reluctant to include OCD and its definition within our "What is Anxiety" blog. We were not sure if obsessive compulsive disorder was classified under anxiety disorders.
When we consulted with anxiety DSM IV, we found that OCD is actually classified as an anxiety disorder and the classification that we found goes as follows:
"Obsessive compulsive disorder is an anxiety disorder characterized by complaints of persistent or repetitive thoughts/obsessions or behaviors/compulsions. The person feels compelled to continue despite an awareness that the thoughts or behaviors may be excessive or inappropriate, and feels distress if they stop them."
Those kind of feelings explained above are found to be in contrast to addictive behaviors. Addictive behaviors produce pleasure and/or gratification rather then distress.
Accordingly OCD is a psychiatric disorder that is characterized by obsessive thoughts and compulsive actions. The most commonly known compulsive actions are cleaning, checking and counting.
We are including here a very rich video that explains the details of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder to help us better understand what is OCD.
OCD can be a disabling condition that can persist throughout the life time of the sufferer. An OCD sufferer becomes trapped in a pattern of repetitive thoughts and behaviors that are senseless and distressing but extremely difficult to overcome. Resisting such thoughts and behaviors would trigger anxiety in the sufferer.
OCD treatment is either conducted through cognitive behavioral therapy or through medication. Individuals responsiveness differ. some respond to medication others found medication as useless and they approach the treatment through the cognitive behavioral therapy.
Some are found to start their treatment through medication to control the symptoms and then move into the cognitive behavioral therapy.
In general medication was found to be fine to suppress the symptoms, but once the sufferer is off the medication the sensations would come back and the patient would relapse.
To treat OCD through traditional psychotherapy aimed at helping the patients develop insight into their problem is generally found not that helpful. However it was found that specific behavior therapy approach was more successful. One approach is called "exposure and response prevention." The other approach that we found and could help in the OCD treatment is one that is called the Linden Method.
We will continually introduce material for you to better understand what is Anxiety. We will continue our research and bring you more information to cover as many aspects as possible of anxiety. Meanwhile you can check the list of materials and tools that we gathered for you to tackle and solve anxiety for yourself and others at our Anxiety Centre.
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May 15th, 2009 at 6:56 pm
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