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DID YOU KNOW?
Obsessive thoughts, or obsessive compulsive disorder
afflicts about 3.5 million adults and about
1.2 million children and adolescents in the U.S.?
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Obsessive thoughts usually first appear in childhood, adolescence or early adulthood. Obsessive-compulsive disorder occurs equally in men and women and affects people of all races and ethnic backgrounds.
What is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder?
Obsessive thoughts are a type of anxiety disorder, that traps people in endless cycles of repetitive thoughts and behaviors. People with OCD are plagued by recurring and stressful thoughts, fears, or obsessions they feel they cannot control.
The anxiety, or worry, produced by obsessive thoughts leads to an urgent need to perform compulsive rituals or routines. These rituals are performed in an attempt to prevent the obsessive thoughts or make them go away. These rituals, however, do not make obsessive thoughts go away.
Although the compulsive behavior may make obsessive thinking go away temporarily, the person must perform the behavior again when the obsessive thoughts return.
The vicious cycle can take up hours, and in severe cases all of the person's day, which interferes with their normal activities and goals. People that have obsessive thoughts may be aware that their obsessions and compulsions are negatively affecting their lives, but they often cannot control their mind and behaviors without help.
What Are The Causes Of Obsessive Thoughts?
The cause of obsessive thinking is not fully understood, but several studies have shown that a combination of biological and environmental factors are involved. There is also evidence that people that have obsessive thoughts have a lack of serotonin, a type of neurotransmitter, in their brain. This lack of serotonin can be genetically passed from generation to generation so obsessive thoughts, like many other mental illnesses can be genetic.
Obsessive thinking is also thought to occur as a result of chronic drug use or traumatic head injury, either as a child or an adult. I can also appear as a side effect from certain prescription and non-prescription medications.
Are There Any Environmental Situations That Contribute To Obsessive Thoughts?
There are several environmental situations that can trigger obsessive thoughts in people with a tendency toward developing the condition. These environmental factors may also cause a worsening of symptoms.
These situations are:
* Stress - can be work, relationship, financial, or illness related
* Death of a loved one
* Abuse -sexual, physical or emotional
* Living Situation
* Chronic Drug Use
What Are the Symptoms of Obsessive Thoughts?
The symptoms of obsessive compulsive disorder can vary, as they are usually thoughts and the types of thoughts people experience vary from person to person.
Some of the most common obsessive thoughts are:
* Fear of making a mistake
* Fear of thinking evil or sinful thoughts
* Fear of being embarrassed
* Constant need for exactness, cleanliness, or order
* Excessive doubt and the need for constant reassurance
* Fear of contamination by germs
* Fear of causing harm to another
Some of the most common compulsive behaviors are:
* Refusing to shake hands or touch doorknobs
* Collecting items that have no monetary value
* Constantly counting, mentally or aloud
* Repeating specific words, phrases or prayers
* Repeatedly bathing, showering or washing hands
* Repeatedly checking things, such as door locks or windows
* Constantly arranging things in a certain way
* Eating food in a specific order
* Being stuck on disturbing words, images or thoughts that won't go away
* Needing to perform tasks over and over again
How Do You Treat Obsessive Thoughts?
Obsessive thoughts obviously have to do with how you think. If the obsessive thoughts come about because of an environmental stressor then the person has to cope with both their thoughts and the situation, abuse for example, that has caused the disorder. Often therapy is required to address and deal with these environmental factors and the thoughts that accompany them.
The symptoms of obsessive thinking do range in severity and sometimes chronic obsessive thinking can require medication to help the patient cope until they can learn how to deal with the cause of the problem.
For most people that suffer from the disorder there is hope as they can free themselves of their obsessive thinking naturally. It just takes professional instruction from a program that teaches you how think positively, and to notice and avoid what triggers obsessive thinking. Learning meditation and inner stillness techniques are also an immense help.
If you have obsessive thoughts you can change them and live a healthy life.
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