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Do OCD treatments work; good question and one that can have one of two answers "Yes they do, and no they don't if the prescribed treatments for obsessive compulsive disorder are not of the appropriate nature purposely formulated for treating specific symptoms. Although symptoms are greatly alike does not mean people will cope alike or respond to treatments the same. How can this be asks the bemused, each individual has different measures of tolerance in the way they handle matters.
Your doctor will have to determine what type of OCD you have for the right therapy to be prescribed. Following wrong medicinal courses can result in worsening the condition or that of no cure. All OCD treatments are medically evaluated before prescriptions are signed. Obsessive compulsive disorder is an anxiety disorder that presently affects more than three million US citizens every year. It can urge feelings of extreme panic and fear; it can also compel a patient to perform actions repetitively. The word ritual is more fitting. Ignoring the fact you have OCD is not a problem solver. This is a serious health concern and one for your doctor.
OCD can have a severe impact on family life, relationships, job duties; it can disrupt and disable activities. Causes for obsessive compulsive disorder are chiefly biological.
Symptoms of OCD may seem strange or irrational. It is quite common to find people deny and become oblivious to the compulsions/obsessions which prove they have OCD. It is of the utmost importance to outline in great detail to your doctor all actions for a prognosis to be correctly made. Some folk find this embarrassing; remember, nothing you say or do will shock your GP - even if it includes sweeping the garden and the street too, or skipping meals to keep the plates clean or that of hiding to avoid callers all because they wear shoes.
How can I possibly know this you ask?
Do not leave a stone unturned, divulge all information about your condition because it can cost you dearly if you want to be cured. OCD has on many occasions been misdiagnosed, especially in children. Young children who have the condition have been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) by accident, because this is often an "easier" diagnosis. Some patients struggle with psychiatric disorders, which include panic attacks, social phobia, even eating disorders. Medical treatments work best in conjunction with other therapies to reduce OCD symptoms; however this varies due to several issues. If it were not for depression would the symptoms of OCD be so bad i.e. like struggling to get as many jobs done at a speed your body can not cope leaving you lethargic and drained, or that of wanting to molly coddle the couch cushion propping the visitor up, or praying to the lord so the sun don't shine (dust).
How can I possibly know this you ask?
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): SSRIs work to better mood and lesson anxiety by stepping up levels of serotonin in the brain. If you have OCD, it is likely that you have low serotonin levels, which may be adding to the disorder. SSRIs are connected with few side effects and are safe long-term treatment for OCD. All OCD treatments are tried tested and clinically proven so rest assured. If you are in doubt at any time whatever the issue ask your doctor to explain. The more you have understanding on treatments will make acceptance easier. Drugs maybe prescribed for severe OCD, drugs in a sense to cure not kill. Prescriptive drugs relax muscles and help reduce compulsive urges. Most drugs used for healing can be habit-forming.
Psychosurgery: Is only performed in intense cases where a patient is debilitated and not responding to all other treatments. Psychosurgery has replaced the lobotomy procedure, which often produced unexpected brain damage and memory loss in patients. This all sounds scary but if your OCD has reached a point where you believe life is not worth living then you can understand why this method of treatment is chosen. Psychosurgery consists of severing or disabling certain parts of the brain with an electrode. Unlike the lobotomy, psychosurgery uses magnetic resonance imaging in order to select an appropriate place in the brain for surgery.
How can I possibly know this you ask?
Could it be because I stand in a queue as long as the China wall waiting for my next prescription with some of the 2% of the population who suffer from the disease also. Am I cured after 40 years; I reply with feather duster in one hand and type with the other. This is not the case for everyone, we as individuals differ in how we respond to OCD treatments. I found slowing down great therapy; however my brain doesn't - so I continue to fight the catch 22 situation I find myself in where I either cope, or live in hope for a cure..
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