Coping with a Patient with Obsessive Compulsive Bipolar Disorder Anxiety
Obsessive compulsive disorder is a kind of anxiety that arises when there is some sort of issue with the way the brain deals with normal worrying and doubts. Children suffering with obsessive compulsive bipolar disorder worry a lot. They often feel that bad things can happen any moment.
obsesssion
The word obsession means a recurrent idea, thought, impulse or image that is intrusive and inappropriate, leading to a marked increase in anxiety or distress. A compulsion, on the other hand, is a ritualistic, repetitive and involuntary defensive behavior or action. Performing a compulsive behavior minimizes the patient's anxiety and enhances the probability that the behavior will recur. Generally, compulsions are linked with obsessions.
According to a recent study, patients suffering with obsessive-compulsive bipolar disorder are more likely to abuse psychoactive substances like alcohol and nxiolytics in an effort to relieve their anxiety. Other anxiety disorders such as Tourette syndrome, attention deficient hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and other depression commonly coexist with obsessive-compulsive bipolar disorder.
Causes of obsessive compulsive disorder
The cause of obsessive-compulsive disorder is not known. Studies demonstrate that there are abnormalities in the central nervous system’s serotonin transmission and in the paralimbic circuit. There are a few studies that are of the opinion that there is some possibility of brain lesions.
Major depression, organic brain syndrome and schizophrenia may have some role to play in obsessive-compulsive disorder. Authorities believe that this disorder is closely related to eating disorders. Any individual who has a blood relative suffering with this disorder is more likely to develop the disorder than someone who does not. Research clearly points to the fact that not every individual who has a relative with the disorder will necessarily develop it.
Interesting facts
SStatistically, obsessive-compulsive disorder afflicts about 3.3 million adult Americans. It strikes men and women in approximately equal numbers and first makes its presence felt in childhood, adolescence or early adulthood. According to one study, about one-third of adults suffering with this disorder report that they experienced their first symptoms as children. Symptoms may come and go or may ease over time, or with the passage of time they can grow progressively worse.
Treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder
This disorder is quite tenacious but improvement occurs in around 60% to 70% of patients who get proper treatment. Present treatment involves a combination of medication and cognitive behavioral therapy. Other kinds of psychotherapy may also play a prominent part. Often people suffering with obsessive-compulsive disorder have other types of anxiety, such as phobias or panic attacks.
These individual may also have depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, an eating disorder or a learning disorder such as dyslexia. According to experts, having one or more of these disorders can make diagnosis and treatment tough, therefore it is recommended that you talk to your doctor about any symptoms you have.
Important points
Approach the patient unhurriedly.
Give the patient an accepting atmosphere. Do not appear shocked, amused or critical of the ritualistic behavior.
Keep the patient's physical health in mind. For example, compulsive hand washing may lead to skin breakdown and rituals or preoccupations may give rise to inadequate food and fluid intake and exhaustion. It is important that you satisfy basic needs of patients such as rest, nutrition, and grooming.
Let the patient know you are aware of the behavior and attitude. Aassist the patient in exploring feelings linked with the behavior.
For the successful treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder, it is of paramount importance that you make reasonable demands and set reasonable limits, explaining their objective properly. Avoid creating situations that can enhance frustration and lead to anger, which may interfere with treatment.
Analyze patterns leading to the behavior or recurring problems.
