Introduction to OCD Treatments.
The most important part of finding help is to start realizing that OCD is a disorder that can be treated. As much as 80% of all people that seek and consistently continue treatment, benefit considerably from either therapy, medication or a combination of both. One of the problems that inhibit successful treatment is the fact that OCD still seems to be an unrecognized disorder that is both under- diagnosed and under- treated since too many Mental Health Professionals still fail to screen for OCD.
Another problem is the secrecy with which many people with OCD surround themselves.
How Do You Know When You Should Ask For Help?
So when do you know you have OCD and must seek help? Most people have rituals and will find much comfort in having the same way of doing certain things.
Then where can the line be drawn between "normal" behavior and OCD behavior?
This is a question only a professional diagnosis made by a therapist can give a clear answer to.
But you could start by:
- Looking whether these thoughts/rituals take in a considerable amount of time and whether they are interfering with your every day life, such as work, relationships, family life. (This is 1 of the criteria on which a diagnosis will be based.)
- While you may be overlooking aspects that ensure a proper diagnosis, you are also best placed to know when you are in need of professional help just leave the final diagnosis to a professional.
- When someone is taking the time to look up information, and being on this site means just that, means that there must be a certain degree of discomfort caused by your problems and a willingness to make changes.
- You might have seen a show on T.V. about OCD and felt as if they were talking about you. Contact the # they might have given at the end of the show to inform further, but more importantly act.
What If You Suspect Your Child May Have OCD?
While a grown- up might have linked their obsessions/rituals to OCD, chances are slim for a child to do the same. They might not be able to express the confusing feelings they are having to deal with. Kids may, much like grown- ups, go to great extents to hide their behavior only increasing the pressure on themselves since this means having to deal with this alone.
As a parent the best thing you can do is to talk to them and inform yourself by using all the information that's available to you.
Next look to find a psychologist who is trained to deal with both Children and OCD as soon as possible.
Gain Insight Into the Disorder.
Gaining insight into OCD is important into making the 1 st. steps to both being accepting to ask for help and to making changes. Not only the person who has OCD may lack insight, many health care providers still aren't as familiar with the OCD- symptoms either or simply aren't trained enough to provide adequate treatment.
But there are a few things you can do:
- Find information online.
- Purchase some books about OCD.
- Join an online Support Group to talk with people.
Is important to educate yourself and/or your kid about this disorder, so that you will feel less shame and may look at treatment with hope.
So there is treatment/help, we just have to know how to get in contact with the right information and people.
Stop Feeling Ashamed for Your Obsessions and Rituals.
Many people suffering from OCD go for years without knowing what it is that is causing them all this distress. Even when in therapy some will take years before disclosing their distressing thoughts. But how does 1 go about revealing thoughts that can be of an extremely violent, horrific nature or may seem rather absurd to an outsider?
Many simply don't dare to. This is a shame since a Metal Health Professional will understand that when you are telling about your obsessions and compulsions these are merely a symptom of your disorder.
Although Mental Disorders are more openly discussed than they used to be, there still seems to be much secrecy surrounding them.
OCD is a disorder that brings much un- necessary shame along this of course doesn't help to get to a proper diagnosis or help.
So stop feeling ashamed and ask for that all- important help which only a professional can provide you with.
Why Looking For Help As Soon As Possible Is Important.
On average 3 to 4 doctors are seen and more than 9 years are spent seeking treatment before a correct diagnosis is made. Some studies have even shown that about 17 years, from the moment the OCD started, go by before the person obtains the appropriate treatment.
This truly is a shame since early diagnosis means that treatment can be initiated including going through the at times lengthy process of finding the right medications.
Much suffering can be prevented or at least alleviated since there would also be less chance of developing other problems such as depression and/or social problems ( Family life, Social life, Work Life.).
Early treatment is important, whether the signs start when you are a kid or adult. So look for help now and not later.
