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Obsessive Compulsive Disorder O.C.D.
It is estimated that in the United States alone one in 50 adults may have obsessive compulsive disorder.
What is O.C.D.
It may be easiest to explain it in this way; we can all agree that as children we grow up with worries, doubts, even some fears, but when feelings thoughts or actions become intrusive into our every day life then it can be said that we have one or more symptoms of what is recognized as obsessive compulsive disorder. Some of the ritualistic behaviors associated with O.C.D are repeated hand washing, another one may be turning the stove knobs off several times before leaving the house or driving around the block a certain number of times before turning in the drive way when coming home. A very common one is a big fear of germs. More intrusive types of association may be fear of harming one self or the harming of others, thoughts of violence, fear of losing control. Any one can suffer the symptoms of O.C.D. from early childhood to adulthood and any where in between. Obsessive compulsive disorder can be a very complicated illness and often times the victims of this disorder feel isolated and confused alone and many times depression sets in. Some victims of this disorder have been known to drink alcohol or even consume drugs in order to deal with their illness. If you or someone you know suffers from any of the symptoms above please get help or encourage that someone to get help in a treatment center that specializes in the disorder. There is on going research and new medications being tested all the time.
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