3 Types of OCD Spectrum Disorders

Types of Obsessive Compulsive Disorders

There are a few different kinds of OCD spectrum disorders, all of which involve some kind of obsessive behavior. However, each of these obsessive compulsive disorders requires a specific method of treatment, thus it is very important to identify exactly which one is being experienced.

In addition to ordinary OCD, there are also other disorders that are very similar and these are known as OCD spectrum disorders.

Obsessive compulsive disorder or OCD is quite a common condition that millions of people suffer from. It is manifested mainly through the repetitive rituals that people use in an attempt to stop obsessive thoughts.

One common symptom people can associate with, is continual handwashing. This is just one example of OCD and the types of symptoms exhibited.

Body Dysmorphic Disorder

This is a disorder wherein the person will be obsessed about certain flaws or problems in their physical appearance. Usually, the person would look perfectly fine to other people because there really aren’t any problems with how they look. If there are indeed some flaws, these are very minor and hardly noticeable.

Nevertheless, this doesn’t stop the person from obsessing about these so-called imperfections in their body. Some may stand in front of the mirror for hours just looking at the problem, while others may avoid mirrors entirely so they won’t have to see the flaw.

If you would like more information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Body_dysmorphic_disorder

Trichotillomania

The most typical symptom of trichotillomania is the compulsive pulling out of one’s own hair, especially when faced with highly stressful or traumatic situations. Oftentimes, the person will not even be fully conscious that he is pulling out his own hair.

The best way to treat trichotillomania is by helping the person realize that he is doing it. Once they become aware of this habit, it will be easier for them to restrain themselves from doing it in the future. More serious conditions, however, may be treated using therapy or possibly hypnosis.

Hypochondria

One of the most frequently reported OCD spectrum disorders, hypochondria is the condition where a person sincerely believes that he is sick or injured, even if he is actually in the best of health.

There are times when there really are some symptoms, leading the person to believe that he is very sick. But oftentimes, they automatically assume the worst instead of seeing a doctor first or examining the symptoms closely. Cognitive behavior therapy works well for people suffering from hypochondria, as well as many other types of OCD spectrum disorders.

Obsessive compulsive disorders are a very unpleasant disorder to have. Finding relief is something that many do not know is even possible. There are medications, behavioral therapy and natural OCD medicines depending on the problem.

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About Jennifer Johnson

I suffered with social anxiety and stress for years. I discovered what my triggers were and learned to control them. Hopefully some of the natural anxiety relief techniques I have tried, will also be your solution.

Comments

  1. I have very bad obsessions, and mental rituals, I dont really have compulsions though…. thank god! for that ! I just tend to obsess more about one thing, and I can’t get it out of my head… Almost like a tape recorder!

    • Jennifer Johnson says

      What sort of mental rituals do you mean Lauren and bad obsessions?

      • If someone says something to me that I don’t like or don’t understand, I will have the whole conversation in my head and then will obsess about it until I cry!

        • Jennifer Johnson says

          So that is why you get so upset about your friends (as you have explained to me in the group…)

          Well, you need to make sure you speak to people who ‘understand you’ – then you won’t have to worry about their silly comments.

  2. Interesting post Jennifer, the hypochondria one really gets to me. Why on earth would people pull something to themselves that is not meant for them?

    • Jennifer Johnson says

      Hi Neil,

      It’s so good to see you here. People suffering with any form of OCD do not want to feel that way. For anyone that doesn’t suffer with anxiety it is almost impossible to understand. A rational mind accepts…an irrational mind cannot.

      It doesn’t matter if the person knows they are not sick, they will soon become anxious enough to become sick anyway.

  3. Wade Balsdon says

    Sad to see that people suffer like this. Mental disease can be really debilitating. I pray for people who have to endure these types of conditions.

    • Jennifer Johnson says

      Hi Wade, yes mental health disorders are certainly debilitating. Your prayers are well intended.

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