I have a wife with bulimia and it was getting to the point where I couldn't take it any more. She needed bulimia treatment badly, but I didn't know where to turn. Through the internet I came across your site and sent my wife for bulimia treatment at your center.
Whoever she first spoke with made her feel so comfortable, she even became excited about the possibility of not having to binge and purge any more. The change in her is amazing. I know she will always be recovering, but I am proud to say she is the most courageous person I know. Thank you for all of your help.
-- Preston V., Nashua, New Hampshire
I needed to find an eating disorder clinic so badly. I used to eat compulsively and had swung over completely to purging and laxatives. I felt so bad about myself, the shame and guilt was just killing me. I had been to an eating disorder clinic before, but they really did not address my mood swings, that I have since understood them to be a bipolar disorder.
Your staff kept telling me that my eating behavior was a symptom of other problems. Well even though I didn't believe them they turned out to be right. I don't use laxatives, I have even learned to exercise moderately. Thank you so much. By the way, it has been ten months since I last purged.
-- Bonnie S., Boston, Massachusetts
Well Shelly, I told you I would write when I had one year in recovery and here I am. Who would have guessed. I have so much gratitude for you taking your time and referring me to a great facility. I knew from the moment I walked in there that I was in the right place. The next time I come by it will be to visit, not as a patient. You are absolutely the greatest.
-- Venessa C., Raleigh, North Carolina
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
If obsessive compulsive disorder and an eating disorder are taking over your life, call our confidential 24/7 helpline today, toll-free at 1-800-941-5313. We specialize in matching individuals throughout the United States with the quality treatment programs they need to live healthier, happier lives.
What is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder?
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder that affects about 2 percent of the U.S. population. Onset is during teenage years or early adulthood, and is not particular to one specific ethnic group or gender.
Obsessive compulsive disorder is characterized by a series of repetitive thoughts and behaviors that interrupt a person's daily life. The person's thoughts and obsessions cannot be controlled and are often very disturbing. The obsessions create so much anxiety that the person must perform certain repetitive rituals (compulsions) in order to relieve themselves of the obsession.
For example, a man with obsessive compulsive disorder may have the thought, "I didn't lock the kitchen door." The person may think that if he didn't lock the kitchen door something very bad will happen to his family. To relieve the anxiety of believing he has left the door unlocked, he will proceed to check and recheck the locked door. He may spend 15 minutes repeating this ritual, making himself late for work.
Patients with obsessive compulsive disorder often suffer from a co-occurring problem, such as a substance abuse issue, an eating disorder or mental illness like depression.
Common Obsessive Compulsive Behaviors
Excessive checking of doors, locks, switches, oven, etc.
Repeated counting, tapping or rearranging
Excessive hand washing or cleaning
Hoarding
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Causes
While the causes of obsessive compulsive disorder are not fully understood, science suggests that it may have its roots in biology. Studies have shown that OCD may be due to:
Changes to the body's natural chemistry
Insufficient levels of serotonin in the brain
Genetics
Other studies have shown that obsessive compulsive disorder may be triggered by traumatic events or family life stressors. There is evidence to suggest a connection between posttraumatic stress disorder and OCD, and OCD and childhood abuse.
OCD Treatment
For patients with obsessive compulsive disorder, treatment plans are very specific, as many patients do not respond to traditional talk therapies. OCD treatment starts with a behavioral therapy that exposes the patient to his or her fears in order to overcome them. In time, therapy will help the patient learn how to manage their fears and anxieties and refrain from performing rituals.
Behavioral therapy is often combined with medication. Serotonin re-uptake inhibitors, or selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors such as Zoloft, Prozac and Paxil are used to help patients manage symptoms and behaviors.
Misdiagnosing Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Often, obsessive compulsive disorder is either misdiagnosed or not diagnosed at all. The patient often feels great shame and disappointment in their behavior, and may try to cover up his or her symptoms.
In other cases, the disorder is masked due to a co-occurring disorder. A patient with an eating disorder, for example, may exhibit ritualistic behaviors around eating or meal times, which at first glance, can appear to be a part of the eating disorder, not the OCD.
To learn more about OCD, or if you believe you or someone you love may be suffering from obsessive compulsive disorder and an eating disorder, call our confidential, toll-free helpline today at 1-800-941-5313. Our caring staff is available 24/7 to answer your questions and guide you towards the right type of treatment. Recover your health and reclaim your life. Call now!
