Obsessive Compulsive Disorder | Rice Psychology
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Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

obsessionsChances are you’ve heard some people complain about their obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) if their knickknacks are not arranged in a specific order or if their floors just aren’t clean enough. However, there’s a big difference between being a perfectionist and having OCD. An obsessive-compulsive disorder can affect adults and kids and will generally manifest through irrational thoughts and fears (obsessions) that could give way to repetitive behaviors (compulsions).

While some people recognize their obsessions, others may not. This could eventually lead to heightened distress and anxiety along with a need to perform compulsive acts. It’s not uncommon for adults and children suffering from OCD to not seek treatment due to shame or simply not recognizing the signs. At Rice Psychology Group, we’ll help you hone in on the signs of obsessions and compulsions associated with OCD to ensure the proper help is found.

Don’t let your OCD leave a negative impact in your life or the lives of those you love. Take a stand against this issue today.

Signs of Obsessions

OCD obsessions are often characterized as anxiety-inducing urges or images that arise repeatedly, persistently and uninvited. In many cases, people will attempt to rid an obsession by performing a compulsion. Typically, these obsessions will appear when you’re focused on thinking or doing other things. Obsessions can often have themes, such as:

  • Wanting things to be organized and symmetrical
  • Aggressive thoughts about causing harm to oneself or others
  • Fear of uncleanness or filth

Some of the most common signs of obsessions include:

  • Avoiding handshakes or avoiding touching items others have touched due to fear of contamination
  • Doubting whether or not you turned off the stove or locked a door
  • Unnatural stress caused by objects that aren’t organized or positioned in a certain way
  • Intrusive thoughts about shouting obscenities

Signs of Compulsions

A person who has OCD may feel driven to perform repetitive behaviors commonly known as compulsions. This is often done as a way to reduce the anxiety that can arise as a result of an obsession, but this feeling of relief is usually temporary. Much like obsessions, compulsions can also have a common theme, such as:

  • Counting
  • Washing and cleaning
  • Checking
  • A need for reassurance
  • Strict routines

Some of the most common signs of compulsions include:

  • Washing your hands to the point where skin becomes irritated
  • Repeatedly checking if doors are locked
  • Repeating a prayer, word or phrase silently
  • Repeatedly checking if the stove has been turned off
  • Arranging your knickknacks in a certain position

Rice Psychology Group is Here to Help

The symptoms of OCD can appear to be relatively minor at first, but this doesn’t mean you should wait to find the treatment you might need. If you feel as if your thoughts, obsessions or compulsions are negatively impacting your life, Rice Psychology Group can help.

Dr. Wendy Rice has been certified by the International OCD Foundation and is qualified to treat the condition and its related disorders. She and her team will work diligently to evaluate the issue and provide the most effective treatment possible. Contact our location in Tampa today to get started.

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