OCD Symptoms

OCD or Obsessive Compulsion Disorder was considered as a rare condition until recently. This is because the patients suffering from this disorder are often secretive and try to hide their symptoms. However, OCD effects can cause problems in all aspects of life like boyfriend and depression and so it should be diagnosed and treated as early as possible. OCD is a chronic illness and without proper treatment, OCD symptoms will come and go and interfere with you ability to perform daily activities. Treatment can help reduce the severity of the disorder. Though some OCD signs may appear even after treatment, you will be able to work, have an active social life and raise a family.

Common Symptoms of OCD

OCD symptoms vary from patient to patient, but the most common OCD signs include
Obsession Symptoms

• Excessive concern about neatness, ordering and exactness
• Fear of germs or excessively worrying about body smells and secretions.
• Fearing or imagining about bad things or doing something irritating
• Constantly counting numbers or reciting some words.
• Fear of harming yourself or others

Compulsion Symptoms

• Washing hands, brushing teeth or showering frequently or using personal hygiene items excessively to hide body smells.

• Checking zippers and buttons on clothes constantly

• Cleaning home and ordering some objects constantly

• Checking doors, lights and appliances over and again to ensure whether they are closed or turned off.

• Asking the same question again and again

• Hoarding unnecessary or unwanted objects like old newspapers

If you feel that you have OCD signs, it is worth to consult with a mental health care professional as soon as possible. OCD effects can be severe and it can take a toll on your life and your relationships. The obsessive thoughts cause fear or anxiety. To get relief from them, you start doing recurrent activities like hand washing or checking repeatedly.

However, such activities give only temporary relief through foods for concentration. They become time consuming overtime and cause a significant impact on your day to day life. Some types of fears may even make it difficult for you to go outside of your home. It can affect your work and personal life drastically. Your obsessive and compulsive behaviors and activities may frustrate or annoy your family members and friends.  Many patients are embarrassed by their symptoms and avoid seeking help. However, symptoms of OCD can be alleviated with appropriate treatment. Fortunately, there are many treatment options like medications and therapies, which can help ease the OCD symptoms and allow you to regain an improved quality of life.

Taking care of yourself is crucial to deal with OCD. Taking medications prescribed by your doctor regularly and doing the exercises recommended by your therapist can help prevent relapse.  It is important to take a well balanced diet. Avoiding or limiting caffeine and alcohol can help reduce stress and thereby minimize the OCD effects on your physical and mental health. You can also consider practicing some relaxation techniques like Yoga or meditation, which help you get relief from some symptoms. Getting your family members and friend in your treatment can help you get enough support from them.