The Connection between Obsessive Compulsion Disorder (OCD) and Anxiety - OCD article 3 of 5

Stress itself does not cause OCD, although a very upsetting stressful event, may trigger every-day anxiety in a person’s life, which can worsen the symptoms of OCD.

People with OCD are characterised by having uncontrollable, disturbing thoughts and compulsive rituals, which put them at a high risk of developing anxiety disorders, as well as bouts of depression.

If OCD and anxiety is not treated, both conditions can have an extremely negative effect on your quality of life.

What kind of anxiety disorders may develop?

While a general anxiety disorder is common, the only disorder that can occur simultaneously with OCD is the social anxiety disorder. (SAD) Having both the disorders at the same time has the potential to make recovery, and your life, more difficult.

Social anxiety disorder is also classified with phobia disorders, and is associated with a fear of being publicly embarrassed, judged, fear of speaking or performing in public, fear of being rejected by people, and extreme shyness. This results in doing everything possible to avoid any kind of social situation.

OCD is governed by similar fears, including a pathological fear of falling short of perfection and being criticised by others, which may lead to SAD, and also avoidance of social events.

Research results have indicated that 24% of people diagnosed with OCD, are likely to receive, or have received, a diagnosis of social anxiety disorder. It also found that SAD is the most common anxiety disorder diagnosed for sufferers of OCD.

There is also a clear link between folk with OCD and depression.

Which disorder develops first?

Both OCD and SAD develop in young adulthood. However, some research results have shown that, on average, social anxiety disorder tends to develop at an earlier age than OCD.

This is borne out by the fact that most people who go for treatment reported that their social fears and anxiety were present before the OCD developed. It also confirms the research results opinion that OCD may develop in response to Social anxiety disorder.

However, this not a hard and fast rule.

Having both these disorders simultaneously is not easy to diagnose, and only a medical professional who specialises in anxiety disorders, should be able to help to assess whether the problem is two-fold.

Both social anxiety disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder respond well to recommended treatment protocols.

The most effective treatment for both disorders.

Research has now indicated that the most effective treatment for OCD and SAD is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) a type of talk therapy - especially when it is blended with hypnotherapy.

Increased recognition by the medical fraternity that hypnosis is indeed a significant healing model for anxiety problems, is becoming more and more beneficial for OCD and SAD sufferers.

Ongoing research into OCD and other anxiety disorders, is now mostly centred in the CBT and hypnotherapy methods of treatment. The encouraging results give hope of successful outcomes for patients undergoing this treatment protocol.

How hypnotherapy can help you.

Experts agree that cognitive-behavioral therapy combined with hypnotherapy offers a very effective drug-free way to overcome OCD and the related social anxiety disorder. The treatment will help to manage and eliminate feelings of social fears, and the symptoms of OCD which lead to obsessive thoughts, as well as ritual compulsive behaviours.

Here are some of the ways you will benefit.

·      The therapist may help you to set a specific healing-goal you want to achieve, by making positive suggestions to the subconscious mind of how getting better will benefit you.

·      You will also be assisted to identify the underlying fears and thoughts which give rise to the anxiety and compulsive actions keeping you trapped in your own mind.

·      When you are in a state of relaxation, the therapist will be able to access the subconscious mind, and by positive suggestions, help you to change your negative, fearful mindset to one of confidence, and freedom from irrational fears.

·      Hypnotherapy will guide you to learn how to enjoy life in a new and purposeful way.

If you keep the right attitude, you won’t only improve your quality of life – you will come out much better than before.

Conclusion.

With a new and positive mindset, you can get a new vision for your life, drop accumulated baggage, and shake off the guilt of past failures and mistakes.

Your life will very successfully get back on track.