Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Hello everybody! Today I want to talk about Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. My friend Deniz and I presented this topic in class. Firstly, I start with the definition of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder(OCD).
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is an anxiety disorder. It is described by a disabling condition throughout a person’s life. There are several symptoms of this disease such as repetitive hand-washing; extensive hoarding; preoccupation with sexual or aggressive impulses, or with particular religious beliefs; aversion to odd numbers.
I explain the treatment methods of OCD. Generally, there are 2 main therapy for OCD patients. Pharmacotherapy and behavior theraphy. One patient may benefit from behavior therapy, while another will benefit from pharmacotherapy. Medications are of help in controlling the symptoms of OCD. If the medication is discontinued, relapse will follow. On the other hand, a specific behavior therapy approach called 'exposure and response prevention' is effective for many people with OCD. For example; a compulsive hand washer may be encouraged to touch an object believed to be contaminated, and then urged to avoid washing for several hours until the anxiety provoked has greatly decreased.

HOW TO GET HELP FOR OCD?
. You should seek the help of a mental health professional.
. You can get help from family physicians, clinics and health organizations or they can make referrals to mental health centers and specialists.
. The specialists who are knowledgeable about the treatment of OCD are able to provide therapy or recommend another doctor in the area.

Well, if there is a person with OCD, what the family can do to help for him?
. They may learn specific ways to encourage the person with OCD to adherefully to behavior therapy and/or pharmacotherapy programs.
. They may read self-help books.
. They may seek the help of a family therapist.

Life is not long enough to put everything into your head. I wish you have a good time without obsessions=)

The First Conversation After Trauma

Last week, I attended a conference about 'the first conversation after trauma'. The speaker has been working at 'Morçati' for twenty years. She talked about the types of trauma. Trauma falls into two categories which are natural trauma and man made trauma.

There are variety effects of trauma. I want to talk about some of them. The trauma can include:
. Upsetting memories such as images or thoughts about the trauma
. Feeling as if the trauma is happening again (flashbacks)
. Bad dreams and nightmares
. Getting upset when reminded about the trauma (by something the person sees, hears, feels, smells, or tastes)
. Anxiety or fear, feeling in danger again
The effects of trauma causes obstacles in a person's life. It continues at least for one month.

The speaker gave an example of trauma her client had experienced. Her client's mother had died in a traffic accident when she was 9 years old. She and her sisters grew up in different relative's houses because her father could not look after them. They could not meet each other. She got married at the age of 18. Her husband was older than her. She got pregnant. One day, suddenly her husband disappeared. She was left alone with her child in Istanbul. She did several different jobs such as serving as a waiter...etc... After 2 years, her husband showed up and came back into her life. After a while and after taking all her money, he left her on her own again. Following this she started staying at the shelter. The repeating traumas the mentioned woman has experienced is called Complex PTSO.

The speaker also talked about points to pay attention to during therapy.
. Usually, client express herself with body language.
. Client should not be forced to explain her/his problems.

A good therapist should posses the following qualities:
. should make clients feel that they can easily handle the problem.
. should have deep knowledge about the trauma and its effects.
. should be a good observent.
. should know herself.
. should be a good listener.
. should give a hope to clients.
. should use the appropriate language.