Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental condition that produces unwanted and repeated thoughts that frequently lead to an action. The activities are usually an attempt to relieve the stress and anxiety that these repeated thoughts create. However, they only bring short-term relief and are usually repeated over and over. Examples of these actions include things like excessive washing of the hands and the need to be constantly straightening things such as rugs on the floor or papers stacked on a desk. People with OCD who do not carry out these actions often experience an escalation in the level of anxiety they are experiencing.
Individuals with the condition often spend more than an hour a day on these thoughts or actions even though they get no pleasure from them. As a result, they can have major difficulties functioning on a daily basis.
The exact causes of OCD are not known. However, evidence seems to indicate that certain factors can play a role in its development. They include injuries, infections and a history of abuse. Genes seem to be a contributing factor as well.
Individuals with OCD often show signs of it during childhood with most cases diagnosed before age 20. It is not unheard of for it to be first noticed in people in their 30s, however.
Medicines such as mood stabilizers, antidepressants and antipsychotics are often prescribed for OCD patients, sometimes in combination with behavior therapy. If you or a loved one has OCD that is interfering with daily living and you want to learn more about an innovative method for dealing with it, ask us about neurofeedback training.
Neurofeedback training works by teaching the brain to change the way it responds to external stimuli. It is done by connecting the patient to a computer that monitors brain waves as the person listens to music, plays games or engages in other relaxing activities. The intent is to teach the brain to produce different kinds of waves that will change the way the person responds to varying circumstances.
The training works by helping the patient develop skills in much the same way he or she does when learning to play a new video game. As the skills improve, healthier brain waves are produced that will enable the individual to respond to circumstances in a more calm and rational way.
Neurofeedback training is non-invasive and produces no side effects. If you are interested in something to improve your or your loved one’s OCD symptoms, consider neurofeedback training with the experts at the Advanced Health & Performance Institute in Orlando. Contact us today to schedule your first appointment.
