Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is one of the most commonly self-diagnosed disorders in America. People often misuse the term to describe anyone who likes to arrange things or likes things to be clean. However, the actual symptoms of this disorder are much more extreme and can affect people’s daily lives. Knowing the actual obsessive compulsive disorder symptoms can help people determine if they need professional help and holistic therapy in Palm Beach, FL.
What Is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder?
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a condition that causes unreasonable thoughts or obsessions. These obsessions cause people to engage in repetitive behaviors or compulsions. In extreme cases, the compulsions heavily interfere with their everyday activities.
Despite popular belief, the symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder don’t typically appear all at once. Generally, they start small and eventually grow into something more destructive. Unfortunately, few people get help for OCD during the early stages. The reason is that they typically view their habits as normal.
As the disorder progresses, most people become aware of the condition. In fact, they feel shame or embarrassment about the disorder. These feelings make them try to hide the symptoms from loved ones. However, this behavior prevents them from getting mental health counseling that they need.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Symptoms
Since people often try to cover up the symptoms of obsessive compulsive disorder, family members must uncover them. In order to do this, they have to know which symptoms to look for. Some of the most common ones include:
- Constantly counting
- Repeatedly cleaning
- Constantly checking locks or switches
- Repeatedly washing hands
- Regularly arranging items to face a certain way
While many people are self-aware that they have OCD, others are not. For that reason, it’s important for people to look for obsessive compulsive disorder symptoms in themselves. They typically have repeated, unwanted thoughts or ideas. Others might have aggressive impulses or fear of contamination.
It’s also worth noting that people with OCD often have persistent or constant sexual thoughts. In the health industry, experts refer to these thoughts as sexual obsessions. Such individuals might obsess over the fact that they think they have taboo sexual desires. Most of the time, they don’t actually have these desires but constantly worry that they do.
For example, let’s say that a girl obsesses over the idea that she is a lesbian. Even if she has a crush on a man, she still wonders if she is a lesbian. She might test herself and look at pictures of women. Even if she doesn’t find them attractive, she continuously checks the pictures to see if the results change. Instead of needing LGBT counseling as she thinks, she may need obsessive compulsive disorder treatment.
Let Us Help You Overcome Any Mental Health Problem
Are you looking for holistic therapy in Palm Beach, FL? If so, consider seeking mental health treatment at Remedy Therapy. We aim to provide relief from psychological ailments. A few of the programs that we use to manage obsessive compulsive disorder symptoms and other conditions include:
- Individual counseling
- Group counseling
- Outpatient treatment
- Medication therapy management
- Family counseling
- Psychiatric services
Don’t attempt to deal with this crippling mental disorder alone. Find out more about obsessive compulsive disorder symptoms. Contact us at 561.414.2607 for help that you can count on.
