Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder – What is It?
Many clinicians believe Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is directly related to serotonin levels in the brain. Lower levels of serotonin have been found in people with OCD.
The person may want to break free from these tendencies, but is unable to do so. He or she can be obsessed with hand washing, setting things in order, not stepping on sidewalk cracks, and so on. It is important to note that there are ways to effectively treat this disorder.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder – What are the Symptoms?
If you think you may be suffering from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, how can you tell? Some of the most common symptoms are:
- Fear of germs
- Fear of losing control
- Fear of aggressive tendencies
- Forbidden thoughts
- Excessively doing any one thing
- Spending hours doing something to get it just right
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder – Can it be Treated? Am I Alone?
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder can be treated. Sometimes, it is treated with medicine or with therapy. Many times, therapy and medicine are used together with great results. It depends on what your physician determines will be best for your case. You may have to try a combination of things before you find something that works effectively for you.
We all feel like we are alone when we are battling a condition like OCD. You aren’t alone. Approximately one person in every 50 have faced OCD at some point in his/her life. Consider joining a support group to discuss your feelings with people who can identify with what you are going through. You can learn more about OCD from these groups.
Doctors are uncertain if OCD is passed on to offspring. It seems the earlier it appears in life, the more likely it could have been passed on from one generation to the next. Doctors have not located a specific gene marker that would indicate that OCD is hereditary in nature.
Doctors believe OCD can begin anytime from preschool to adulthood. Generally the signs are present before a person turns the age of 40. OCD can often go unrecognized for many years.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder – A Personal Story
The pain of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder impacted every area of my life -- work, home, and my personal life. I struggled to get through each day. I wasted so much time doing things over and double-and-triple checking everything.
God rescued me from this desperate state and gave me a chance to live a normal life. I learned that Jesus Christ died on a cross so that my sins would be forgiven and I could have eternal life.
I no longer walk in this desperate state of confusion and this disorder does not have the same power over me. I have learned that in Christ there is no condemnation, which includes every sin, even sins which I repeat. Through Jesus, I have hope.
Jesus Christ will never abandon me and that I can never lose my salvation because it is not based on my performance.
The Lord Jesus Christ wants to give you lasting peace of mind like He gave to me. Will you let Him come into your life? A verse that I find helpful is Philippians 4:6-7, "Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” I still have spiritual struggles, but now I know that I am on the right path.
What is your response?
