Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is an anxiety disorder that currently affects more than 3 million Americans every year. Usually beginning in adolescence or early adulthood, OCD causes feelings of extreme panic, fear, and guilt and compels the sufferer to perform certain actions. When left untreated, OCD can reach frightening levels, impacting on a person's relationships, home life, and career. If you are suffering from OCD, it is important to know that you are not alone. The causes of OCD are largely biological, and a variety of effective treatments exist to treat the symptoms of OCD.
OCD Treatments
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is an anxiety disorder that currently affects more than 3 million Americans every year. Usually beginning in adolescence or early adulthood, OCD causes feelings of extreme panic, fear, and guilt and compels the sufferer to perform certain actions. When left untreated, OCD can reach frightening levels, impacting on a person's relationships, home life, and career. If you are suffering from OCD, it is important to know that you are not alone. The causes of OCD are largely biological, and a variety of effective treatments exist to treat the symptoms of OCD.
Diagnosis of OCD
Diagnosing OCD can be complicated, especially considering the variety of symptoms sufferers may experience, which may seem bizarre or nonsensical. Many sufferers of the disease do not want to admit they have these obsessions or compulsions. In order to be diagnosed properly, it is important to reveal as much information as possible about your symptoms.
In order to be diagnosed with OCD, your health care provider will have to study your symptoms. Obsessions, compulsions, or both must be present in order to be diagnosed with the disorder. Your health care provider may perform a physical exam in order to rule out any other causes for the behavior.
Sometimes OCD can be misdiagnosed, especially in children. Younger children suffering from OCD may be diagnosed with