About this topic
Obsessive compulsive disorder is also known as OCD. If you have OCD, you may have thoughts that go through your head over and over. Other times, OCD causes you to feel like you need to do certain rituals or routines over and over. ‚
The upsetting thoughts that get in the way of your normal life are called obsessions. They cause you to feel tense or on edge. The behaviors or things you do to try and control the thoughts are called compulsions. Some people are obsessed with germs and think about them all the time. Because of this, they feel like they must wash their hands over and over. Others may be obsessed with protecting their loved ones. They believe that by doing things in a certain order or touching things in a certain order, their loved ones will be safe. There are many kinds of obsessive thoughts and rituals that people do to try and cope with the thoughts. ‚
Most often, as you work with your doctors, you will have improvement in your signs. They may not go away fully. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Talk with family and friends about your OCD and how they can help. Seek support from your friends and family. Find someone who calms you. Ask this person if you can call when you are getting anxious.
- Learn what events, people, or subjects upset you. Limit your contact with them.
- Express your feelings. Talk to someone who can help you see how your thoughts and actions in certain situations may raise your anxiety.
- Learn to manage stress. Use relaxation methods like reflection, deep breathing, and muscle relaxation. Things like yoga and tai chi are also good.
- Your doctor may suggest therapy. This is important to help you learn more about your OCD. You may also learn ways to cope with your thoughts.
- Your doctor may suggest you join support groups. You may get to know other people who have coped with OCD.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Ease anxiety
- Help with low mood
What changes to diet are needed?
Eat a variety of healthy foods and limit drinks with caffeine, including energy drinks. Caffeine can increase your stress level. You should avoid alcohol and over-the-counter stimulants. ‚
What problems could happen?
If your OCD is not treated, it can result in you: ‚
- Staying away from work or social events
- Not being able to do everyday tasks
- Keeping away from family and friends
- Having low mood and worry
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
There is no way to prevent OCD. ‚
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Hard to breathe, even when at rest
- Chest pain
- If you do not feel safe or you cannot be alone
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what I can do to lower my stress level.
- I can tell you what I will do if it is hard to breathe, I am having chest pain, or I do not feel safe.
Where can I learn more?
International Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Foundation ‚
http://iocdf.org/about-ocd/ ‚
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/emotions/behavior/OCD.html ‚
National Institute of Mental Health ‚
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd/index.shtml ‚
Last Reviewed Date
2015-05-08 ‚
List_set bdysylist
- Central Nervous System
- Mental Health
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care provider 's advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2016 Wolters Kluwer Clinical Drug Information, Inc. and its affiliates and/or licensors. All rights reserved. ‚