Overcome OCD Anxiety Disorder

OCD anxiety disorder is characterized by involuntary intrusive thoughts and irrational behavior. OCD is the fourth most common type of anxiety disorder. The single biggest challenge of OCD sufferers is learning to manage their behavior.

Though many people do not seek help for their OCD symptoms, there are very specific criteria one must meet before being formally diagnosed. Six obsessions must be met for an OCD anxiety disorder diagnosis.

They are: 1. recurring, intrusive and persistent thoughts that cause anxiety, 2. the thoughts are more than worries about legitimate problems, 3. the person must attempt to ignore or suppress the thoughts, 4. the person recognizes the thoughts or behavior as irrational, 5. repetitive behaviors and 6. the behaviors are aimed at reducing anxiety

Anyone can have OCD anxiety disorder. It can begin in childhood though it is more commonly started in the teens and twenties. OCD does not target one gender over the other. Typical behavior for an OCD sufferer is performing tasks aimed at reducing anxiety.

OCD anxiety disorder is generally agreed to be caused by both psychological and biological factors. The behavior is done to reduce anxiety provoking thoughts. The individual gets stuck in a pleasure/pain cycle of negative reinforcement. They have the anxiety provoking thought, feel the anxiety, and relieve that anxiety only to have the anxiety provoking thought again.

Most experts studying OCD anxiety disorder agree that it is caused by both biological and psychological factors. OCD sufferers find varying ways to relieve the anxiety they feel. They often get stuck in a cycle enforced by negative reinforcement. They continue to have thoughts that cause anxiety, so they continue to find ways to relieve it.

Doctor prescribed medication is also used to treat OCD anxiety disorder. Many of the drugs used reduce excess serotonin from being released into the brain. Regulated serotonin levels helps in reducing obsessive thoughts and feelings of anxiety.

Antipsychotics and antidepressants are also sometimes prescribed, though their effectiveness varies between individuals. Alternative treatments are considered as well, including Inositol, Opiods, Tryptamine and vitamin supplements. Psychosurgery is also done in extreme cases, and always as a last resort.