Everybody experiences worries and doubts during their life and many
of us have superstitions and funny little habits.
But for some people ... maybe even for you or a loved one... these
feelings can become so strong that they literally take over your
life.
OCD-sufferers can become trapped in a pattern of repetitive thoughts
and behaviors that are senseless and distressing but extremely
difficult to overcome.
Here's how OCD works: a person has the same disturbing thoughts,
ideas, or impulses over and over again. These are called obsessions.
To relieve the anxiety and worry that result from the obsessions, the
person begins doing certain things over and over again. These are
called compulsions.
For example, a person with germ fears (obsession) may wash his hands
(compulsion) again and again and again and again.
In the past, OCD-sufferers didn't have easy access to information on
their disorder. And many were too ashamed and embarrassed to seek
medical help.
Today, the Obsessive-Compulsive Foundation says that the average
obsessive-compulsive spends more than nine years searching for
help... and is diagnosed by three to four doctors BEFORE finally
getting the right diagnosis!
http://ocd.2itb.com/t.htm