Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a kind of anxiety disorder, which is characterized by unreasonable fears and thoughts. These fears may result in repetitive actions and behaviors. Usually repetitive behavior serves as a mean to come in terms with person’s anxiety. Behavior, peculiar to the person with OCD is characterized by repetitive actions which may include opening and closing the door for several time, checking up locks and different technical devices. All these behaviors are conditioned by the anxiety and fear. In many cases the person with this disorder realizes that his actions and behaviors are irrational, but still can not stop them. Any attempts to stop irrational actions can cause the decrease of fear and anxiety. OCD is characterized by thoughts which cause worry and uneasiness.

Obsessive behavior and thoughts are the main characteristics of obsessive-compulsive disorder. Under obsession we usually understand thoughts which become persistence and result in anxiety. Compulsion is a ritual behavior performed by the person with OCD. In order to distinguish normal behaviors which deal with protection and safety of the individual it is necessary to know the difference between usual behavior and compulsive actions. Compulsive actions usually cause stress and require much time.

Usually this disorder is rooted in the childhood. Latest research shows that OCD is the most common disorder among children. OCD is a neurological disease. Many patients with OCD have also other kinds of brain disorders. In many cases OCD is accompanied by hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD).

There are basic categories peculiar to people with OCD. These categories are based on the types of compulsive behavior peculiar to OCD patients. These behaviors include counting, cleaning, checking and hoarding. Latest research proves that OCD is formed in the childhood.

The causes of OCD are still not totally explained but among the most common reasons specialists call genetics, biology, and personality development. Like many other personality disorders OCD begins as a problem in personal development and causes bigger problems during adolescence (Alonso et al, 2008). The character of an individual is expressed though his or her personality.

Personality determines behavior and when behavior is irrational we may speak about the personality disorders. Personality disorders are not illnesses in the direct meaning but they cause great disturbance for the person and his or her surrounding. In many causes disorders became obstacles which do not let the person to reach full potential.

Socialization and ability to build relations with other people are characteristics of well-developed personality. In the case when some personality disorders, including OCD take place, this may have negative impact of person’s ability to build normal social relations.

In many cases misperception causes people to turn to different compulsive behaviors in order to feel better. Usually social development is badly affected by OCD. OCD puts certain barriers between the person with this disorder and the society (Kim et al, 2009). Other people may be disturbed by the behavior of the person with OCD. Negative attitude of the surrounding may only increase stress and thus worsen the situation with OCD.

Person with OCD may become angry if their ritual actions are interrupted. People from the surrounding may become the source of this irritation if they do not know about these peculiarities. For the person with OCD compulsive actions are the source of inner comfort and tranquility and each individual who interrupts them from these actions may become the reason of anger and irritation. In many cases people with OCD can not find understanding and compassion in their social group. This may result in depression and feeling of isolation.

In some cases people with OCD intentionally isolate themselves from the society in order to avoid the necessity to explain their unusual behaviors. In addition, OCD is a time-requiring disorder. Compulsive behavior may require much time and effort and in some cases people with this kind of disorder lack time for communication.

If people with OCD do not receive necessary support and care they may become isolate from the entire word. If children or young adults have this kind of disorder they may not fully realize that they experience personality disorder and may be scared to share their problems with other people and ask for necessary help. Unfortunately in the contemporary society people possess little information about different kinds of personality disorders and often people who have these disorders can not understand the reasons and causes of their states. In addition the surrounding is also not ready to meet the person with the disorder. People with OCD may show bad results in school and at the University. This happens because of their anxiety and compulsive behavior. In many cases they are not able to concentrate and fulfill necessary actions. If the surrounding, including teachers and professors, do not show understanding and do not give necessary support to people with OCD they may demonstrate poor results in study.

So, OCD may result in bad socialization, which, in its turn result in many other problems, including isolation, problems with study and work, problems in finding partner and many others.

 

References
Alonso, P., Menchon, J.M., Jimenez, S., Segalas, J., Mataix-Cols, D., Jaurrieta, N., Labad, J, Vallejo, J., Cardoner, N., & Pujol, J. (June 2008). “Personality dimensions in obsessive-compulsive disorder: Relation to clinical variables.” Psychiatry Research 157: 159-168.

Kim, S.J., Kang, J.I, & Kim, C.H. (Comprehensive Psychiatry 2009). “Temperament and character in subjects with obsessive-compulsive disorder” 50: 567-572.

Waltz M. (2000). Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Help for Children and Adolescents, Beijing , Patient Centered Guides.



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