Adequate rest and sleep can help to overcome Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Posted on January 26, 2012, Thursday
KUALA LUMPUR: According to neurologists, the best therapy for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) sufferers is cognitve-behavioural.
There are anti-depressants available, but neorologists say that medication alone is not effective in assisting those with the disorder to reduce their symptoms.
Medical officer in neurology Dr A Ridzwaan Talib says there are two components in cognitive-behavioural therapy; exposure and response.
“Exposure and response prevention revolves around the source that brings about the obsession. Individuls with OCD will be prevented from performing the compulsive acts they usually commits to reduce his anxiety.
“For example, a person who is obsessive compulsive in washing his hands will be asked to touch the door knob of a public restroom and later will be prevented from washing his hands.
“The person experiences the urge to wash his hands, but the desire to ritually wash his hands will dissipate and gradually disappears.
“The person will learn that he does need to wash his hands ritually and repeatedly, hence he is able to control his obsessive urges and compulsive behaviour,” says the medical officer.
Cognitive therapy focuses on the dangerous thoughts and sense of a big responsibility by the OCD individual. This therapy teaches healthy and efective responses toward obsessive thoughts without the need to perform compulsive behaviour.
According to Dr Ridzwaan, neurologists suggest several measures to overcome this disorder.
“Identify the OCD thoughts and urges: the affected individual can train himself by saying ‘My hands are not dirty’ atau ‘I don’t think I need to wash my hands’.
“Be aware that such thoughts are caused by OCD and say to yourself ‘It is not me, but only the OCD’ as the reminder that the behaviours are provoked by false and meaningless messages sent out by the brain”.
He advises those with this disorder to shift their attention to other matters even though it is only for a few minutes.
The patient should say ‘I am experiencing the symptoms of ICD and should be doing someting else’.
Dr Ridzwaan also advises OCD patients to have a new look at the disorder’s symptoms and say that they are nothing significant, just stupid and foolish obsessions that should not be given attention.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder can disturb the social network and family of those who suffer from it.
“Family members can help by understanding the problem and avoiding conflicts. They can provide motivation and support for the individuals with OCD,” explains Dr Ridzwaan.
He recommends activities such as jogging, brisk walks, listening to music and surfing the Internet as ways the reduce anxiety and escape from obsessive compulsive thoughts and behaviour.
“Try delaying the response. The longer the delay, the better as the urge to perform the compulsive acts will dissipate.”
He says something that can cause stress will start OCD or make it worse.
“Hence, it is important to avoid stress, as this can help avoid OCD,” he advises.
OCD patients are advised to have a lifestyle that is free from stress apart from practicing adequate exercise and good nutrition.
“The affected individuals must have adequate rest and sleep, apart from refraining from cigarettes, nicotine and alcohol,” he says.
Dr Ridzwaan advises OCD sufferers to avoid being alone.
“Request help, relate your problem to others. It is good to be involved with a support group and share obsessive compulsive experiences. Refrain from negative comments.
“It is important for the individual affected to be relaxed and cool toward facing extreme anxiety. Interact positively in the social circle and see (the condition) as something funny, which will make the situation more liveable for the sufferer,” he adds. — Bernama
<< Previous Entry - Next Entry >>
