OCD - Obsessive Compulsive Disorders

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is the label put on the inability to avoid persistent thoughts and stop repeated behaviors that are negatively affecting one's quality of life. About 2.2 million people in the US suffer from OCD which is classified as an anxiety disorder. It is often accompanied by one or more other problems such as other anxiety disorders, eating disorders and especially depression. OCD usually begins in adolescence or early adulthood.

Obsessions are thoughts that one can't get out of their head. No matter how hard one tries, the unwelcome thoughts return. Common subjects are germs/contamination, doubting that something was done, orderliness/organization, fear of impulsive behavior (saying something inappropriate/doing something terrible), fear of having terrible thoughts.

One way to cope with the anxiety caused by obsessive thoughts is to take action. These actions can get out of control and interfere with life in a negative way. The thought and action are not necessarily connected in logic. Now they are called "compulsions." Here are some examples:

• If someone is afraid of germs, they might start cleaning and sterilizing things constantly (more than the average person would) as well as refuse to touch anything in a public place or shake hands with anyone. They might also start washing/scrubbing their hands many times a day.
• A person who doubts might start checking things over and over and over. Ten minutes later, the doubt returns and they have to check again. It's as if they don't remember or trust their memory. Did I lock the door? Did I close the garage door? Is the stove turned off? Did I put something away? Did I turn on/turn off something?
• People who obsess on orderiless and organization can't stand anything out of place. Everything has a place. No paperclip can sit outside of the official paperclip box. The lamp is not allowed to be an inch out of place on the tabletop. Couch cushions have to be just so. These people might also fixate on a certain type of thing that is out of place everywhere they go. Imagine walking to work and having to pick up every piece of trash (no matter how small) found on the street.
• Some people with OCD are afraid of their own impulses to say something inappropriate (vulgarity, insults, lies, hoaxes) and so they avoid going places and being with people. It's like being afraid of suddenly being overcome with Tourrette's Syndrome when one doesn't even have it in the first place. Some people are afraid of doing something inappropriate, dangerous or worse. Again, these people isolate themselves to protect others.
• Fixation on words, phrases or repeated actions are another way to deal with the anxiety. Some people will say certain words or phrases over and over until they "feel better."
• Hoarding is another OCD compulsion. Suffers might keep something for a reason that seems logical to them but it gets out of control and becomes extreme. Imagine keeping an empty jar because it would be good for storage. Compare that to someone who has accumulated hundreds of jars, none of them used, to be saved for a future, possible use. There are also people who hoard animals to the point of their homes becoming filthy and they are unable to afford to feed and provide proper veterinary care for their pets.
• Some people become obsessed with negative parts of their body. They scrub or wash or pluck to the point of causing damage to their appearance and/or health.
• Scrupulosity is an religious expression of OCD that goes way back into history. A person focuses on their religion, or a certain aspect of their religion, way too intensely and loses sight of the big picture. Clergy in many faiths have been helping their members with this problem for hundreds of years. This is not to be confused with being religious and devout. This is a situation of extreme religion when even the leader says there is a problem.

Thoughts and behaviors are usually classified as Obsessive Compulsive Disorders when they take up (waste) more than an hour of day of one's time or interfere negatively with one's life. Sometimes it's so severe that sufferers can't hold down a job, take (almost) forever to get tasks done, and isolate themselves from friends and family. Some sufferers turn to alcohol and drugs to "calm down" and control their OCD. Not the best choice.

Psychiatry and psychology have come a long way in the past 50 years. Now there are ways to deal with the anxiety. OCD can't be cured, but it can be managed and it's impact on life lessened . There are many anxiety medications available. There is also Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) to help people react and deal with anxiety.

BIPOLAR DISORDER - DEFINITION, TREATMENT, MEDICATIONS

Everybody has their usual lives, personalities, and ways of doing things. But people with Bipolar Disorder are sometimes involuntarily thrust into an extreme amusement park and they just aren't themselves for the rides. Sometimes they are stuck way up high and sometimes they are down very low. Sometimes they even bounce upon and down as if on a bungie jump of emotions.

These times are called "episodes." During an episode, a person is "different" than they usually are or what one might call "normal" or "average" for the rest of the population. Perhaps they are too happy, too crabby, too depressed or in a funk - more than what their life circumstances should cause.

Over 5 million children and adults are affected with Bipolar Disorder, many of them being treated for a different/wrong diagnosis. About 70% of the time, doctors are only consulted for one of the problems of Bipolar Disorder such as depression or anger. The resulting treatment and/or medication is wrong. One study I read stated that about 10 years can be wasted before the correct diagnosis is made. So please tell your doctor about everything - happy, sad, angry, anxious, everything! Communication is key! Your doctor only knows what you tell him or her. Don't hold anything back! Sometimes mood disorders are in the family tree, so ask your family questions about relatives and ancestors. Tell your doctor everything.

The experts define three types of episodes- manic, depressive and mixed. The mixed episodes are a roller coaster of both depressive and manic episodes. Warning signs that an episode is coming include slight changes in mood, sleep, energy, self value, sexual interest, concentration, enthusiasm, optimism, and way of dressing and grooming.

Manic episodes can cause people to feel wonderful as if nothing could go wrong, very aggitated and short fused, uncooperative and belligerent, overly angry and aggressive. Examples of manic behavior are talking too fast or constantly, risky or impulsive actions, sexual promescuity, spending binges, going without much sleep, easily distracted and unable to stay focused, having a feeling of great self worth or invincibility, becoming too focused on a goal, and racing thoughts.

Depressive episodes can cause depression and saddness, loss of interest or wanting to do anything, and no longer enjoying the things one used to do for fun. Examples of symptoms include loss of weight without being on a diet, decrease or increase in appetite, insomnia or restlessness, feeling sluggish or excessive sleeping, constant fatigue or loss of energy, feeling worthless or inappropriately or excessively guilty, difficulty thinking, concentrating and making decisions, and thoughts of suicide, making a suicide plan, or actually making an attempt.

Experts do not know what causes Bipolar Disorder. They theorize that too few or too many neurotransmitters (brain chemicals that travel between cells) might be the cause. Scientists have experimented with various drugs to see if something can be found to have a positive effect and have come up with a long list of medications that doctors now prescribe.

For a listing of bipolar medications by brand name and their information, click here .

You will need to do more than just take your medication. You need to see your psychiatrist/psychologist on a regular basis to help you cope with stress and other issues. You will also need to take care of your body and de-stress your life. Eat healthy (stop the junk food and sweets and eat on a regular schedule), exercise (go on walks at the very least), and give up the drugs and booze (join a support group - don't do it alone).