By Anonymous, Mon, May 09, 2011
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is condition that impacts over 3 million Americans every year. The disorder usually develops at some point in beginning adolescence or young adulthood, and slowly but surely begins to dominate the lives of the sufferers. OCD can hinder the personal relationships, personal enjoyment and careers of anyone that it encounters, and more often than not, people that have it desperately seek out treatment or cure options.
The reason that OCD may be so difficult to diagnose immediately, is because of the various complications that arise when attempting to differentiate between various forms of mental health disorders. In order to accurately determine whether or not someone is suffering from OCD, professionals often check if the patient is suffering from obsessions or compulsions.
OCD often misdiagnosed
Often, OCD in youngsters is brushed off as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) because of the seemingly common general symptoms. Similarly, OCD is often misdiagnosed as depression. However, getting the proper diagnosis is key in order to get the necessary treatment for the disorder.
OCD treatments available but no cure
Unfortunately, as of now, there is no “cure” for OCD. That being said, there are a number of treatment options available to sufferers that may severely lessen the negative symptoms of the condition, and may make day-to-day live that much more bearable.
The most common treatment options for OCD include, but aren’t limited to: Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), tranquilizers, psychosurgery, psychotherapy and Inositol.
In order to determine which course of action is best suited for a particular sufferer, they should seek out the advice of a mental health professional.
