Signs and Symptoms of OCD

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By Alex Groberman, Sun, April 03, 2011

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a particular type of anxiety disorder that is known for causing uncontrollable and unwanted thoughts and actions. These thoughts and actions lead to repetitive, ritualized activities that individuals feel they absolutely have to perform -- at times even against their will.

Non-stop obsessions and compulsions are signs and symptoms of OCD.

Obsessions, in particular, are unwanted and uncontrollable thoughts and impulses that occur in a person’s mind. Regardless of whether or not a person wishes to get rid of these thoughts or not, they are unable to do so. Later, these thoughts and impulses can drive individuals to do things against their will in an attempt to rid themselves of these obsessions.

Compulsions, in turn, are behaviors and/or rituals that sufferers of OCD feel like they have to repeatedly do. These compulsions are generally done so that the obsessions that the individuals who have OCD have can go away. Unfortunately, any relief that may be brought on by performing the rituals is a temporary fix – and before long the compulsions are back and forcing the sufferer to address them yet again.

Common categories that people with OCD tend to fall into are: checkers, washers, doubters, counters, arrangers and hoarders. Regardless of which specific group a person suffering from OCD may fall into, the symptoms and overall result end up being extremely similar.

While most OCD sufferers have both obsessions and compulsions, having both is not a must to be diagnosed with the condition. It is possible to only experience one or the other.

Some of the most easy-to-recognize trails amongst individuals suffering from OCD are: fear of being dirtied by germs, fear of causing or inflicting harm, thinking about graphic sexual or violent imagery, fear of losing unnecessary items and extreme superstition.

Generally speaking, OCD tends to occur in either adolescents or young adults. However, it is possible for a young child to have OCD symptoms. On the flip side, kids who suffer from OCD, because of their ever-changing symptoms of anxiety, will not necessarily suffer from the disorder as adults.

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How much does it cost to get

Submitted by Hannie626 on Sun, 12/18/2011 - 5:08pm.

How much does it cost to get an interview with a mental physician for an examination for OCD?

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