OCD

- Description

OCD or Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is a condition in which someone regularly experiences obsessive thoughts and compulsions. Such thoughts can make one feel immense fear or anxiety if not acted upon or have them fear that they will act upon said thoughts.

 

While people with this disorder are typically stereotyped as perfectionist or clean freaks, that’s not always the case. Often, people who have this disorder may not care much about cleaning but still need to perform certain actions to feel safe or in control. Such actions might include flicking a light switch on and off a certain number of times or avoiding walking on the cracks on the sidewalk as minor examples.

 

- Symptoms

• Intrusive thoughts

• Constant fidgeting

• Hoarding

• Hypervigilance

• Aversion to certain types of food or textures

• Ritualistic behavior

• Social isolation 

• Perfectionism

• Fear of contamination or dirt

• Panic attacks

- Coping Mechanisms

• Breathing exercises

• Finding a new hobby to distract from the thoughts

• Behavioral therapy

• Meditation

• Trying a new diet

• Yoga