Even though a good number of us can relate to having “perfectionist” tendencies, it does not interfere with day to day life like Obsessive Compulsive Disorder can. OCD or obsessive compulsive disorder influences around 2% of the UK adult population and it is classed as an anxiety disorder.
OCD sufferers frequently really feel an irresistible urge to go back home and check locks or participate in other rituals such as switching lights on and off in a particular order. Checking the stove, gas fire, washing machine, doors and windows might have to be done as many as 20 times or more for some obsessive compulsive disorder sufferers.
Obsessive compulsive disorder is not limited to just home appliances it could be patting a rabbit’s foot, checking themselves for moles, washing light switches with bleach, cleaning the toilet and anything that can be done ritually in reaction to whatever their anxiety trigger is.
Distinguishing Obsessions from Compulsions
Any behaviour that obliges them to do something, otherwise something bad is likely to happen would be classed as a compulsive behaviour. OCD is characterised by obsessive feelings which lead to compulsive behaviour – that is, behaviour which a person feels compelled to repeat time and time again. The compulsive behaviour is an attempt to relieve the anxiousness created by the obsessive thinking.
As an example, the obsessive compulsive disorder sufferer might have an utterly random “nasty” thought about someone in their family dying and this thought is dwelled upon by them and in the end they start to really feel very anxious that it might happen. Even though the family member is totally safe, the thought processes of doom and destruction just will not fade away. At some point, a behaviour is produced to help lower the stress (as an example, tapping their fingers against a given object). In time, a behaviour or ritual is found that gives the person some degree of respite from the anxiety.
The compulsive behaviour only offers a limited measure of relief from the overwhelming tension and anxiety that the obsessive thoughts have prompted. Though the behaviour provides a degree of anxiety relief, it’s only partial. As the person attempts to amplify the stress relieving properties, the ritual or behaviour becomes increasingly more elaborate or intense. The idea of discarding those “adopted responses” is sufficient to trigger extremely high levels of tension and anxiety.
Kinds of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Counter/Arranger – people may be focused on perfect symmetry and stringent order. Washer – being totally hooked on cleanliness. They fear being infected from harmful bacteria.
Cleaner – pays attention to germs and hygiene. They fear germs, dirt and the risk of illness.
Hoarder – concentrates on keeping all clothes, boxes as well as other items. They will have the fear that discarding any belongings will result in some form of cataclysmic results.
Checker – compelled to evaluate sources that could pose possible physical harm. These individuals will repeatedly return to check the status of a cooker, emersion heater, light switch or other home appliance.
The treatment of OCD with hypnosis
With hypnotherapeutic specialist techniques, it is possible for people to conquer their OCD issues and achieve an inner calmness. A hypnotherapist is likely to help the person to tackle the obsessive feelings and remove the compulsions. As well as reducing anxiousness, hypnosis will help to stop the obsessive feelings which are at the source of the anxiety.
Combating any stress associated with the OCD behaviours is paramount to eliminating the compulsions and helping the individual to genuinely feel more in charge.
*Disclaimer: Results may vary from person to person
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