What are the Telltale Signs of OCD?
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) affects 1 in 100 adult Americans. The condition is so severe that it can make a victim hide some of their habits from their loved ones. The need to talk about it as a mental problem is essential to understand what people with OCD are going through. Luckily, the specialists at Boston MindCare, PC have provided a guide to help Lexington OCD patients learn about the condition.
What does having OCD feel like?
OCD is a type of psychological condition that makes a person engage in repeated thoughts. For example, a person with OCD can wake up in the middle of the night to turn off their oven after already checking multiple times that night. The fear of waking up to a torched house is what makes them do it. The condition is also manifested in a person when they try to avoid touching anything that they suspect is germ-infested. This forces them to wash their hands countless times.
How to Know if You Have OCD
There are many misconceptions about OCD. If you suspect that you are battling with this condition, watch out for these signs:
Having Obsessive Thoughts
Do you find yourself having misconceived thoughts, ideas, and impulses that do not seem to go away? Do these thoughts affect your normal thinking, causing you to be anxious and fearful? If yes, then you may need to see an OCD specialist. The idea of not wanting to hurt yourself or trying to do things perfectly can affect your quality of life.
Compulsive Behaviors
Waking up at night to double-check your door is normal. But the constant feeling of doing it more than 10 times is abnormal. If it gets in your way of a good night’s sleep, chances are you could be experiencing symptoms of OCD. It gets to a point where your compulsive habit is rigid or structured. When left untreated, OCD can compel you to do things countless times, and this is not a good sign.
The Constant OCD is Affecting Your Relationships
The worst part about OCD is that it interferes with your daily life. You cannot leave for work or school unless your obsessive-compulsive conditions have been met. It gets to a point where you do not understand yourself anymore. The feeling of wanting to be left alone to satisfy your habits can interfere with your relationships with other people. You need help.
What to Expect After Being Diagnosed with OCD
Having OCD is not a life sentence. You can still get treatment and go about life normally. Treatment options include prescription medications or psychotherapy to help you relax. Your therapist is highly trained on how to understand what you are going through. This allows them to recommend an ideal treatment plan for you.
See a Specialist for OCD
If you are not sure about how to navigate life after OCD, work with your doctor to ensure you understand all the benefits and shortcomings of the treatment options they are recommending. To find out whether your symptoms of OCD qualify you for treatment, book an appointment with Boston MindCare today.
