People perceive Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) as an odd and sometimes annoying desire to do something repeatedly.
However, OCD disorder symptoms mean more than just being bugged by recurrent thoughts.
Obsessions are periodic, persistent, undesired, and intrusive thoughts or impulses that may cause anxiety to a person when actions are not carried out.
Compulsions are ritualistic behaviors that one does repeatedly so as to lessen the anxiety caused by such obsessions.
More often than not, themes of OCD are related to the obsessions, such as repeatedly praying when someone used to be religious even before developing the disorder.
OCD disorder symptoms can manifest in different forms.
Nevertheless, all these behaviors aim in neutralizing the anxiety felt by a person.
Checking rituals such as frequently making sure the stove is turned off or the front door is locked can be quite bothersome and disturbing to those who feel strong compulsions to do it repeatedly.
Another example of symptoms are counting rituals, like carefully taking note of steps they have taken or the number of stones on the pavement.
Order rituals such as perfectly stacking books on the shelf or arranging and moving furniture are also fitting examples.
Other OCD disorder symptoms include unusual hoarding and keeping of items for fear of disposing something valuable.
In some cases where impulses get more severe, physical injuries to self or others may also be involved, since these symptoms are harder to control.
People who are obsessed with the idea of getting contaminated might wash and scrub their skin to the extent of causing abrasions on themselves.
Impulsive and aggressive urges such as throwing rocks, plates, or other objects to others can prove to be very disturbing and dangerous.
Such cases urgently require consultation and treatment by a behavioral therapist.
Treatment is aimed to reduce manifestations of OCD Disorder Symptoms gradually without causing marked anxiety to the person suffering from the disorder.
The most effective approach for treatment of OCD combines drug therapy and behavior modification.
The most common medications used to treat OCD are Buspirone (BuSpar), Clomipramine (Anafranil), Clonazepam (Klonopin), Fluoxetine (Prozac), Fluvoxamine (Luvox), and Sertraline (Zoloft).
Although all of these drugs are aimed to reduce anxiety caused by OCD, their classifications are different, thus body reactions may vary.
As with all forms of treatment, it is best to consult the doctor first before taking any medication.
OCD disorder symptoms require behavioral therapy to successfully treat the disorder.
While the desired outcome is to put a stop to these compulsions, it is important not to hurriedly cut off a person from doing such actions since it will only cause them to be more anxious.
Teaching relaxation techniques like deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, and guided imagery can prevent sudden rise of anxiety levels.
Also, the person who has OCD will develop self-control which will eventually build their self-esteem.
Gradually decreasing the time performing rituals can also eliminate or significantly lessen daily interference of symptoms.