One of the popular disorders is OCD, its acronym short for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Although much of the world’s population experiences this disorder, the disorder is a very frustrating problem, especially in maintaining it. The disorder has grown in popularity, both by dealing with it and the number of people that experience it. The disorder has even been popularized in several movies and television shows, showcasing the difficulty in dealing with it.
What Is OCD?
OCD is characterized as an anxiety disorder, with the diagnosis usually coming the specific branch of OCD experienced. Examples of OCD behaviors are specific routines, like washing hands a certain amount of times, repeated checking of items, and in severe cases, extreme hoarding. Other tendencies of OCD persons are violent and constant thoughts, and obsessions dealing with sexual feelings. Although these acts are bizarre, maybe even paranoia, OCD persons usually recognize them, even furthering these acts out of desperation.
In some cases, although it may seem peculiar, OCD persons have an above- average intelligence, a trait that’s usually the main focal point for several T.V. shows and films. Treating OCD has improved throughout advancements in medicine, however treatment options are solely based on the affected individual, as sometimes the behaviors are difficult to correct. Early beliefs, dating back between 14th and 16th century, portrayed OCD affected persons as being a spawn of the Devil, as the behaviors enacted were irregular from the other people.
Although OCD is a somewhat serious problem, many people and celebrities have lived with it, Howard Hughes and Howie Mandel a few of the celebrities that have dealt with it. Treating OCD comes in two options, behavioral therapy or medicine consumption, both of which will succeed if the person chooses to endure them. Since OCD affects all age groups, correcting it as a child will greatly increase the chance of maintaining it throughout a person’s life, rather than correcting it when their older.
Is It Hereditary?
As with many disorders, unfortunately OCD has not been linked to one specific cause, but more of a combination of causes, both biological and physiological. Although genetic testing has been done, and it seems OCD has more inherent factors, than upbringing factors, as many people who experience OCD have family members dealing with it. Other factors, like environmental ones, (where and how the person was raised) can greatly influence getting OCD, when its paired with the inherent factors.
