Anxiety disorders are becoming more and more common.
OCD, then have obsessive-compulsive disorder — it is a disorder that causes obsessive thoughts that can lead to compulsive actions. This is especially true in our time of the coronavirus pandemic, as well as the increase in aggression from Russia.
What is OCD, how to understand if you are suffering from an illness , and how to get rid of it, said Ukrainian neurologist Yevhen Skrypnyk.
The term OCD consists of two related concepts: obsessions and compulsions
Obsessions — these are obsessive thoughts and images that confuse and excite a person, namely:
- fear of contracting an incurable disease, a contagious disease, a person thinks that he has dirty hands;
- fear of not notice a mistake;
- need to arrange things in a certain way;
- fear of certain numbers;
- a person may have «stupid» thoughts, sexual content, may have thoughts that will harm children, loved ones, and the like.
Compulsions — these are obsessive actions (rituals) that you think will be able to neutralize these obsessive (unpleasant) thoughts:
- do not touch doorknobs, money;
- avoid public toilets ;
- constantly and excessively wash hands (or do a certain number of times), for example, 10-20 times, even with a brush, various detergents;
- can wash things after passing by the cemetery and also 5-10 times;
- excessive cleaning in the apartment;
- place objects at the right angle;
That is, a person falls into a vicious circle of obsessive thoughts and actions.
Where do obsessive thoughts come from < p>For example, a person may experience «terrible» the thought that he would contract an incurable disease. Because of this, tension builds up. The nervous system will look for a way out of this tension through certain physical actions.
When OCD is diagnosed
How to get rid of OCD
The doctor advises not to do compulsions (rituals), not to reinforce obsessive thoughts with actions (compulsions, rituals). For example, they left the house and the thought arose about the gas being turned off. In no case do not return, but go on business further. Then you will return home and see that everything is in order. Over time, with such efforts, you will get rid of OCD.
Distract when you want to perform the ritual: read a book, listen to music, call friends, family.
Delay the ritual for 5 minutes, and add a few minutes every day and gradually get rid of them.
Do not read forums where people with OCD and various anxiety disorders communicate, you will only increase your anxiety.