Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

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When does checking that the stove is turned off indicate a problem? When does being “neat and orderly” become an issue? When is washing your hands not a sign of good hygiene? When these behaviors—and others—become repetitive to the point of disrupting daily life, then you might have an obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is classified as an anxiety disorder. It involves an obsession, or a recurrent, unwanted thought or impulse that creates stress or anxiety. The compulsion is a ritual, repeated behavior that temporarily alleviates the anxiety. The obsession and compulsion set up an endless cycle that can be difficult to derail without professional assistance.

Many compulsive behaviors are rooted in good habits. The problem is that for a person with OCD, the behavior takes control over you. Some examples of compulsive behaviors include:

When you feel like your ritual behaviors are controlling your life rather than your being in control, you don’t need to resign yourself to a life of compulsive actions. Medications and therapy can help you regain control over your daily life.

Contact Saginaw Psychiatry to schedule an appointment and begin changing your life.