A person troubled by repetitive thoughts or actions is most likely experiencing what?

Summary

Read the full fact sheet

  • Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterised by obsessions and compulsions.
  • OCD can have a profound effect on a person’s life.
  • Psychological therapy, self-help techniques and medication can help people to recover from OCD.

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A person troubled by repetitive thoughts or actions is most likely experiencing what?

A person troubled by repetitive thoughts or actions is most likely experiencing what?

This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:

A person troubled by repetitive thoughts or actions is most likely experiencing what?

A person troubled by repetitive thoughts or actions is most likely experiencing what?

  • A person with agoraphobia is afraid to leave familiar environments, because they are afraid of having a panic attack.

  • Family and friends of people with Alzheimer's disease discuss their experiences and how to recognise the early signs.

  • A common misconception is that anorexia nervosa only affects young women, but it affects males and females of all ages.

  • Antipsychotic medications work by altering brain chemistry to help reduce psychotic symptoms like hallucinations, delusions and disordered thinking

  • You can help your child overcome anxiety by taking their fears seriously and encouraging them to talk about their feelings.

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The five major types of anxiety disorders are:

  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder
    Generalized Anxiety Disorder, GAD, is an anxiety disorder characterized by chronic anxiety, exaggerated worry and tension, even when there is little or nothing to provoke it.
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
    Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, OCD, is an anxiety disorder and is characterized by recurrent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and/or repetitive behaviors (compulsions). Repetitive behaviors such as hand washing, counting, checking, or cleaning are often performed with the hope of preventing obsessive thoughts or making them go away. Performing these so-called "rituals," however, provides only temporary relief, and not performing them markedly increases anxiety.
  • Panic Disorder
    Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder and is characterized by unexpected and repeated episodes of intense fear accompanied by physical symptoms that may include chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, or abdominal distress.
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
    Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, PTSD, is an anxiety disorder that can develop after exposure to a terrifying event or ordeal in which grave physical harm occurred or was threatened. Traumatic events that may trigger PTSD include violent personal assaults, natural or human-caused disasters, accidents, or military combat.
  • Social Phobia (or Social Anxiety Disorder)
    Social Phobia, or Social Anxiety Disorder, is an anxiety disorder characterized by overwhelming anxiety and excessive self-consciousness in everyday social situations. Social phobia can be limited to only one type of situation - such as a fear of speaking in formal or informal situations, or eating or drinking in front of others - or, in its most severe form, may be so broad that a person experiences symptoms almost anytime they are around other people.

(National Institutes of Mental Health)

Content created by Digital Communications Division (DCD)
Content last reviewed February 12, 2014

What is the term for a repetitive ritualistic behavior associated with high anxiety?

OCD compulsions are repetitive behaviors that you feel driven to perform. These repetitive behaviors or mental acts are meant to reduce anxiety related to your obsessions or prevent something bad from happening. However, engaging in the compulsions brings no pleasure and may offer only a temporary relief from anxiety.

What disorders experience thoughts and urges that are intrusive and unwanted?

People with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) experience thoughts and urges that are intrusive and unwanted (obsessions) and/or the need to engage in repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions).

Are repeated thoughts urges or mental images that cause anxiety?

Obsessions are repeated thoughts, urges, or mental images that cause anxiety. Common symptoms include: Fear of germs or contamination.

What are the 2 types of anxiety?

The five major types of anxiety disorders are:.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder. ... .
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) ... .
Panic Disorder. ... .
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) ... .
Social Phobia (or Social Anxiety Disorder).