OCD

First off, the term OCD stands for Obssessve Compulsive Disorder. The definition of an OCD is a time consuming obssession that may result in repetitive behaviors. The obssession is the fear of something that results in a repetitive behavior, the compulsion. People perform these behaviors because they feel that these actions will relieve the anxiety.

Victims of OCD generally recognize their obssessions and compulsions as irrational or absurd, but can't stop their rituals. In a sense, they are controlled by these behaviors, and often find excuses to justify their actions.

For example, a person may have a severe phobia of germs, causing an obssession with cleanliness. This obssession may develop into the compulsion of constant handwashing. They know that their hands are most likely clean after a few washings, but will continue to wash their hands. When trying to explain these obssession to another person, they may say that their reason for their repetitive handwashing is that they have just shaken hands with someone or handled money.

Dear Becca,

I have a fear of my parents dying. This fear has always been a part of my life, but has never actually affected the things I do. Recently, my mother got into a car accident and was in the hospital. This has caused my fear to become much worse. I started to do small things like making extra sure there were no cars before crossing the street with my mom. I also have been reading the bible more because a part of me thinks that God will protect my mother if I read the bible every day. But now, this fear has caused me to peform rituals, and I am no longer in control of my life. I have to things like putting all of my belongings on the east side of the room because I think this will protect her. I can't look in any mirrors, and everything I do revolves around saving my mother. I have tryed to stop, but whenever I try, I have these feelings of anxiety that often cause headaches. If I go long enough, I sometimes throw up. I love my mom and certainly don't want her to die, but I don't want to be consumed by this disease anymore. I need my life back!!

Sincerely,
Oxford. C. Dewberry.

Panic Disorder

Another type of anxiety disorder is panic disorder. Panic disorder is defined as "recurrent, unexpected panic attacks." Panic disorder's first attacks often occur as a result of a tramatizing event in one's life.

Other triggers include family history, ???OTHER TRIGGERS, CAUSES???

When a person has their first panic attack, they are often convinced that there is something physically wrong with them, such as a heart problem. But their doctors can find no physical link to their attack. This fear of not knowing what is wrong with them cuses the patient to wonder when and where their next attack will strike. They become afraid of going out because they may not be able to get help, or worse, they could be embarrassed in public. Over time, a sufferer pf panic disorder may develop agoraphobia, a fear of open spaces.

Panic Disorder can be emotionally and physically disabling. A patient who is trying to calm themselves may turn to drugs, turning them into substance abusers. The non-stop attacks make people feel depressed, hopeless, and inn many cases, cause the suferrer to blame themselves for the attacks. In fact, Panic Disorder causes one-fifth of its suffers to commit suicide.

Dear Becca,

A month ago, my house caught fire and burned to the ground. I was in shock, but, as reality settled in, something out of the ordinary happened. I began to feel very tense, and soon I was hyperventilating. I was overwhelmed with terror, and could not breathe. I fell to the ground, passed out, and woke up in the hospital. I thought maybe I had a stroke or a small heart attack, but the doctors in the hospital said that I was "as healthy as a horse." Ever since then, I have experienced many similar episodes. I don't know when they will strike because I can't find a trigger. I am becoming weary of places with many people, or even places where there are many open spaces. What if no one is there to help me? What if I have an episode and everyone, even my closest friend, thinks I'm a freak? These attacks have left me physically and emotionally drained. Please help me!

Panicking Penny