Obsessive compulsive disorder effects approximately 3.3 million Americans and 18-40% of those suffering from OCD also report suffering from the sub-type symptoms of hoarding which makes it more common but often undiagnosed.
Obsessions are thoughts, images or impulses that occur over and over again and feel outside of the person’s control. Individuals with OCD do not want to have these thoughts and find them disturbing. In most cases, people with OCD realize that these thoughts don’t make any sense. Obsessions are typically accompanied by intense and uncomfortable feelings such as fear, disgust, doubt, or a feeling that things have to be done in a way that is “just right.” In the context of OCD, obsessions are time consuming and get in the way of important activities the person values.
Compulsions are the second part of obsessive compulsive disorder. These are repetitive behaviors or thoughts that a person uses with the intention of neutralizing, counteracting, or making their obsessions go away. People with OCD realize this is only a temporary solution but without a better way to cope they rely on the compulsion as a temporary escape. Compulsions can also include avoiding situations that trigger obsessions. Compulsions are time consuming and get in the way of important activities the person values.
There are specialized treatment protocols when working with individuals struggling with OCD. We are finding more and more your children are showing the signs of OCD around 7 – 10 years of age. As school and social pressures have increased, many children with a pre-disposition for OCD are manifesting it earlier.
But did you know that OCD can also be triggered by a strep infection and if identified and treated in time medically can reduce or eliminate the symptoms.
Emily has been working with and training professionals on effective treatment interventions for many years. She has gone all over the country teaching effective treatment protocols for children, adolescents and adults.