As explained by National Institute of Mental Health – national leadership dedicated to understanding, treating, and preventing mental illnesses – obsessive-compulsive disorder is a “disorder in which a person experiences uncontrollable and recurring thoughts (obsessions), and engages in repetitive behaviors (compulsions).”
This disorder can be quite time consuming in the lives of those who have OCD as it can appear through time consuming symptoms.
While many may not understand this disorder it is important that we are aware of the symptoms and can spot them in those we love.
Those who are suffering from this disorder are likely to have obsessions or compulsions and at some cases may even have both. People who suffer from this disorder are advised to get medical attention as there are treatments that are made available which have been proven to assist towards minimising the effects of OCD.
The symptoms of OCD as advised by the National Institute of Health are:
- Fear of germs
- Compulsive counting
- Fear of misplacing something
- Fear of losing control over one’s behaviour
- Unwanted, forbidden, or taboo thoughts
- Desire to have things symmetrical
- Desire to have things in perfect order
- Excessive cleaning or hand-washing
- Ordering or arranging items in a precise way
- Repeatedly checking things in an overly cautious manner
These symptoms may get severe during times of pressure or stress. Please note that the symptoms and signs are not only limited to the above-mentioned, however if these are noticeable with someone you may know, please seek medical attention.
If OCD symptoms remain unattended, they may get severe over time. The National Institute of Health further states that OCD may start appearing between late childhood stages as many people are often diagnosed in their young adult years.
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