OCD Anxiety Disorder Symptoms
OCD anxiety disorder is the fourth most common mental disorder. It is characterized by intrusive thoughts and irrational behavior. The OCD sufferer knows their thoughts and actions are irrational, which in turn, causes anxiety. Managing their behavior is often the single biggest challenge for those suffering from OCD.
To be diagnosed with OCD anxiety disorder, six very specific criteria must be met: 1. Intrusive, recurring and persistent thoughts that cause stress or anxiety, 2. The thoughts must be more than just regular worry 3. The individual knows the thoughts are irrational, 4. The individual attempts to suppress or ignore the irrational thoughts 5. Repetitive behaviors and 6. Certain behaviors are done to reduce anxiety
It is difficult to predict who will get OCD anxiety disorder. It does not seem to favor one gender over the other, and can happen at any stage in life. Typically, OCD starts in the teens and twenties, though it can start much earlier or later in life.
There are two main types of OCD: 1. OCD with overt compulsion and 2. OCD without overt compulsion. Those with OCD with overt compulsion turn their thoughts into actions. They do specific behaviors designed to reduce anxiety. Those with OCD without overt compulsions still have recurring thoughts that cause anxiety, but they do not act on them.
Scientists and doctors generally agree that OCD anxiety disorder is caused by a combination of psychological and biological factors. OCD is a system based on negative reinforcement, which typically causes additional anxiety.
Most experts studying OCD anxiety disorder agree that it is caused by both biological and psychological factors. OCD sufferers find varying ways to relieve the anxiety they feel. They often get stuck in a cycle enforced by negative reinforcement. They continue to have thoughts that cause anxiety, so they continue to find ways to relieve it.
Doctor prescribed medication is also used to treat OCD anxiety disorder. Many of the drugs used reduce excess serotonin from being released into the brain. Regulated serotonin levels helps in reducing obsessive thoughts and feelings of anxiety.
Many of the medications prescribed regulate the release of the chemical serotonin. Excessive serotonin can magnify the feelings of anxiety and obsessive behaviors. Lastly, in rare and extreme cases where nothing else has worked, psychosurgery has been performed.