 |
Tags: health, wellness, mental health, obsessive compulsive disorder
 Such an instance may have happened to you when you were on your way to work and then a thought comes into your mind- you might have forgotten to shut the stove off. Although deep in your mind, you know that you have shut the stove off, you may fret over the idea that your house will go up in smoke because of an oversight.
For those having the facility of a sound mind and rationality, the subsequent thought mechanism would be to think back the steps that they have made before leaving work that morning until they would come up with the conclusion that they have indeed shut the stove off. And then the day would proceed just as it is supposed to be with the individual going about with their normal functioning.
advertisement
However, the case with individuals suffering from obsessive compulsive disorder is quite different. Individuals suffering from obsessive compulsive disorder are generally overwhelmed with persistent thoughts and actions. Pertaining to the instance mentioned earlier, an individual with obsessive compulsive disorder will react in a peculiar manner. Being beset by the nagging thought that they have forgotten to turn the stove off, the individual with obsessive compulsive disorder becomes anxious.
It may not be surprising if they actually go home and check the stove and then turn it off and then leave again only to return and perform the same “ritual”. An individual under the grip of obsessive compulsive disorder knows that they have turned the stove off, but their thoughts and actions work against their mind.
Imagine how incapacitating the disorder can be as an individual may not be able to function efficiently pertaining to their work and obligations as they are persistently bothered by the same thoughts over and over again causing them to be extremely anxious. Such is the nature of obsessive compulsive disorder.
Obsessive compulsive disorder affects one in every fifty adults in the United States and such statistics arouse a cause for concern. Generally, obsessive compulsive disorder is treated through therapy, specifically cognitive behavioral therapy. Cognitive therapy is often more effective in treating obsessive compulsive disorder as it works with an individual’s mind rather than their mood.
Such form of therapy is an ideal treatment for patients with obsessive compulsive disorder as it would help them exercise their brain by focusing on thought patterns. Cognitive therapy is better recommended for obsessive compulsive disorder rather than for depression or bipolar disorder as the latter conditions are mood disorders that generally hinge on an individual’s emotions rather than their cognitive functioning.
Cognition is more often beneficial for obsessive compulsive disorder as it can be effective even if one finds it difficult to think themselves out of a mood. A cognitive approach to treat obsessive compulsive disorder may the most suited initial measure as it can aid in helping an obsessive compulsive individual in having their repetitive thoughts and craving for order diminished.
Once a patient learns to put their thoughts under control, it is then that they become less anxious and can function more efficiently with their normal activities as they are able to put a rein on obsessive compulsive disorder.
Visit our Relagen Store for a safe and natural means to promote mental health.
About the author
Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy.
Share this article
You may reprint this article in its entirety on your web site, newsletter or ezine, providing you leave the About the author sections intact. You may not alter the contents.
|
|
