An individual
with OCD usually has certain tasks they feel they must perform
in order to keep themselves feeling in control. People with
OCD may also avoid situations in which they might have to confront
their obsessions. Individuals experiencing these symptoms might
try to use drugs or alcohol to calm themselves down but this
doesn't often work. If left untreated, OCD can grow severe enough
to keep someone from holding down a job or completing rudimentary
everyday tasks. The disorder usually can be controlled with
treatment accompanied by medications.
Individuals with OCD may be preoccupied with order, may feel
the need to touch or count things, and may have thoughts about
performing or not performing religious acts. What separates
an individual with OCD from what can be termed the well adjusted
population, is that while most people may check several times
to make sure the stove is off, or the toaster is unplugged,
an individual suffering from OCD will spend several hours per
day and may feel distress if they do not perform the acts. Most
adults with this condition recognize that what they're doing
is senseless, but they can't stop it. Some people, though, particularly
children with OCD, may not realize that their behavior is out
of the ordinary. |
