What is obsessive-compulsive disorder?
Obsessive thinking of the same intrusive repetitive negative thoughts or compulsive doing of any kind of ritual actions seems to completely take over a person’s life. This kind of neurosis is particularly stubborn and painful to live with. It is not uncommon that OCD is followed by functional depression, which in this case will be the consequences and not the cause. The level of serotonin in the brain goes down, panic attacks can become frequent, life becomes a painful struggle.
Along with the phobias, OCD is considered to be one of the most mysterious neurotic conditions as it has an element of so-called «possession» to it. However, OCD was studied and research a lot, and significant understanding of its origins and ways to work with it was achieved. Characterological structure that tend to develop OCD is formed in early childhood and usually obsessions and compulsions break out in early adulthood, when some life factors put too much pressure on person’s psyche.
Unfortunately, a lot of people suffer from OCD silently as they feel ashamed of not being able to « take control of their thoughts or/and actions», or they are ashamed of the content of their thoughts. Understanding of the fact that these thoughts and actions are just the messengers of the psyche to let know that it is overcharged and that the level of pressure and suffering is too high, is crucial for the person with OCD. That this is not your fault, but a condition, that needs help and understanding. Obsessions and compulsions are curable, when there is intention and desire to understand why this condition has occurred and how to help yourself to feel good again.
It can be quite challenging to find a specialist who treats obsessions and compulsions extensively. My approach is based on psychoanalysis, cognitive-behavior therapy, archetypal psychology, active gestalt and meditation practices, and on a lot of personal experience in dealing with this condition.