OCD Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Chat Support Group

Other features of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) causes distress and significantly interferes with a person's work, relationship, social life and can be debilitating if gone untreated.

A lot of people that suffer from the symptoms of OCD realize that their problems and obsessions are coming from within their own minds and they are not just worries, they also realize that their compulsions (rituals) they perform daily are excessive and unreasonable.  But there are a lot of people who suffer with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder that do not see they have a problem; their obsessions become so severe that they end up suffering for the rest of their lives by not receiving proper treatment.

Insight

Most patients with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder can see the senselessness in their obsessions and rituals, but if they act on them, it releases the anxiety.  When they are not having an obsession they understand how unrealistic they are, and at other times they believe strongly in their validity and have to act on them.

Resistance

Most people with OCD struggle to fight against the obsessive thoughts and to prevent themselves from engaging in compulsive behaviors. Many are able to keep their symptoms under control when they are at work or attending school and other activities, but without treatment, over the months or years, resistance may weaken, and when this happens, OCD can become so severe that the rituals take over their lives, making it impossible for them to continue activities outside the home.

Shame and Secrecy

Rather than seek help, some people with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) try to hide it, thinking they can take care of it on their own. Often they are successful in keeping their secret from friends, family and coworkers, but the problem with keeping it concealed is that they do not receive proper treatment for years after the onset disease, and some never receive treatment at all.  A lot of  people who have Obsessive Compulsive Disorder learn to work their lives, and family members' lives, around the rituals.

Long-lasting Symptoms

Symptoms of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, OCD, tend to last for years, even decades. For some, the symptoms may become less severe from time to time, for some there may be long intervals when the symptoms are mild, but for most individuals with OCD, the symptoms are chronic.  With proper treatment, medication and/or therapy, could help so many people with OCD live a productive life.