Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) makes the victim have compulsive behavior and obsessive thoughts when going about their daily lives. The condition strikes people in all age groups with some getting it at an early age, but in most cases, it exhibits itself at the beginning of adulthood. OCD can significantly affect your life and come between the patient and a happy life.
OCD may exhibit itself as a great fear of germs and contamination leading compulsive cleaning of body and environment. There is a constant feel the need to have things in order and arranged symmetrically or in particular combinations of numbers. At times OCD sufferers get the compulsion to constantly check on things like doors, windows or even gas cylinders to see if they are closed.
People who fear their house being broken into, for example, and have OCD, will constantly check doors and windows to see if they are locked. They might do this several times before they are comfortable enough to leave the house. Once you notice the signs of OCD, you should seek anxiety disorder treatment before the condition gets out of hand. OCD can be caused by several reasons, some which include:
Family history
Family history is the most common cause of OCD, which is passed down in the genes. If a family member has OCD chances of you getting it are quite high especially if it is a parent who has the condition.
Differences in the brain
In some cases of OCD, the victim may have some areas of their brain with unusually high activity, more so than in a normal brain. At times the brain may produce low levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin which is responsible for stabilizing mood in a person.
Personality
Neat and organized people are more likely to develop OCD than reckless people. Neat people always want their items arranged in a certain way, and they always keep their surroundings clean. In as much as this may seem normal and harmless continued practice makes the person more susceptible to OCD. People who are always anxious may also develop OCD in the long run, as they a co-related disorders.
What you need to know
Obsessive compulsive disorder may at first seem a normal thing as many people love being clean and are cautious of their safety and surroundings at all times. Signs and symptoms of OCD usually exhibit themselves over an extended period, but it is much easier to treat if caught early.
Treatment for anxiety disorder helps you get the condition under control before it gets out of hand and interferes with your normal daily routine.
