Hello, and welcome to my blog post. My name is Ashley, and for this post I’m going to tell you about OCD.
What is OCD? OCD, or Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, is a condition where excessive thoughts (or obsessions) lead to repetitive behaviors (or compulsions). OCD often centers on themes such as a fear of germs or the need to arrange objects in a specific manner. Symptoms usually begin in small stages throughout life and they vary. A few examples are counting things, repeating certain words, repeatedly checking on loved ones to make sure they’re safe, spending a lot of time washing or cleaning, etc.
Like autism, OCD is a common condition, with more than 200,000 cases per year. Some common triggers of OCD could be ongoing anxiety or stress, or being part of a stressful event like a car accident or starting a new job. Pregnancy or giving birth can sometimes trigger perinatal OCD. Symptoms usually worsen with age, and because of this people may have trouble remembering when OCD began. But they can sometimes recall when they first noticed the symptoms. Around the ages of ten to twelve, the first peak of OCD cases tend to occur.
There are two main treatments for OCD. One is talk therapy, which usually helps you face your fears and obsessive thoughts without “putting them right.” And the other is medication, usually a type of antidepressant that helps by altering the balance of chemicals in your brain. OCD can also make it difficult for people to do everyday activities like eating, drinking, shopping or reading. And it is often compounded by depression and anxiety disorders. OCD often worsens by age, and there is no cure. However, people can learn to acknowledge their obsessions and find relief without acting on their compulsions.
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