Navigating The World Of OCD Disorders
Navigating The World Of OCD Disorders
OCD, short for obsessive compulsive disorder is a term that encompasses a wide range of manifestations and is related to several other disorders. OCD disorders involve a wide range of symptoms and can be anything from mild annoyances to debilitating compulsions and fears.
Common OCD Disorders
One of the most common of the ocd disorders is hoarding. People suffering from ocd will often feel compelled to stock pile items or keep objects that would normally be considered trash, for fear of losing something that may be important in the future. This disorder may cause them to check the trash several times before taking it out or open and close a letter or box before mailing it.
Another general ocd disorder is an obsession with order and organization. People will this form of ocd will become fixated on creating rules and placing objects in specific places. They may spend all of their time organizing and re-organizing, alphabetizing and lining things up “just so”.
Some fear in life is normal and even necessary, but unrelenting, irrational fear is another of the expressions of ocd disorders. These sufferers will constantly be worried that some terrible event is about to happen (fire, murder, car accident, attack, etc.). This can cause them to shut out the rest of the world in an attempt to protect themselves. This fear may also extend to loved ones; the sufferer may become terrified that something will happen to a family member or close friend. Sometimes a person with ocd will exhibit a fear of being the one that causes harm to others and will again shut out everyone else because of this thought.
An ocd disorder that can have a devastating effect on normal activities is the obsession with contamination. People with this type of ocd feel compelled to wash obsessively, especially when they have touched people or objects that they feel are particularly germ-ridden. Sometimes they get to the point that they cannot even bring themselves to touch these things or even be close to them or look at them. This can even include people or things that they love.
Yet another of the ocd disorders is performing rituals and superstitious acts as a form of protection against the perceived threats. In this form if the disorder a person may repeat actions or trace patterns in his/her mind until the situation feels right. Belief that certain numbers, colors or objects are either lucky or unlucky is another common marker.
Other Disorders In The OCD Family
There are also several other disorders that are closely related to ocd and have similar tendencies. These include eating disorders, depersonalization, hypochondriasis (fear that one is ill), trichotillimania ( pulling out one’s own hair) and compulsive skin picking.
To learn more, check out bible study topics and youth ministry resources.
Processing your request, Please wait....
