As a physical therapist, having a patient with OCD or “obsessive-compulsive disorder” can be a challenging endeavor. Understanding their OCD maybe even more challenging. Most likely, the disorder has become evident while treating your patient.
The first thing that you should understand when you are a physical therapist or someone who has been diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder is that you may never truly understand what they go through on a day-to-day basis. But if you educate yourself on the disorder you will be able to assist them in coping, and successfully completing their physical therapy treatment.
In this helpful guide, we will share some information with you that can help you gain an understanding of your patient’s OCD.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Defined
When it comes to defining exactly what obsessive-compulsive disorder is, there is no small, simple explanation. This condition is a type of anxiety that is experienced at an intense degree.
As a matter of fact, it is one of the conditions that are classified as an “anxiety disorder”.
If your patient has been diagnosed with this condition, it typically indicates that they have thoughts that replay over and over again in their mind, despite the fact that they try to fight them.
These are referred to as “obsessions”.
They may indulge in certain behaviors on a consistent level; repeating certain actions in this manner are the “compulsions”.
If your patient has obsessions, it is quite likely that they have developed certain behaviors to contend with the thoughts that they find to be intrusive. Despite the fact that the sufferer may feel as if the thoughts have no realism, and are quite silly, they simply cannot help but engage in the behaviors because of the fact that it provides them with a sense of calm, rather than a high level of anxiety.
One of the most common examples of an intrusive thought to the person suffering from OCD is that germs may contaminate them in one way or another. The thought that germs may contaminate them is considered an obsession. For this person, the compulsion, or “ritual” may be washing the hands or the body over and over, or cleaning the area around them continuously.
Relating to Your Patient
Relating to your patient can be quite difficult when they have OCD. By taking the time to educate yourself on the disorder and talking to your patient about how the condition affects them personally, you are taking the first step towards not only understanding the person challenged by this condition but being supportive towards them and helping them cope.
The next step is to explain to your patient that you cannot be a part of the rituals that they indulge them – for their own good, of course. It is never a good idea to come across as condescending, but rather in a positive way so they understand that you’re trying to help them cope more effectively.
Gain a good working knowledge of the symptoms your patient experiences when OCD starts to trouble them. They may become easily distracted, have mood swings, or start to engage in a known ritual.
When you see the symptoms creeping up on your patient during their physical therapy sessions, highlight the fact that you see them and ask if there is anything you can do for them.
Remember, stay positive and also remain as calm as you can considering the circumstances. Remember, even on treatment, it is often difficult to eliminate all symptoms associated with the condition.
Many sufferers feel as if they should try to stop the rituals and compulsions that occur when the OCD is troubling those around them. To be honest, you should avoid doing this.
By this stage of obsessive-compulsive disorder, your patient will know that the thoughts and many of the actions they perform to contend with those thoughts are unrealistic.
If you attempt to interfere in the carrying out of the compulsions and other behaviors, they are likely to experience a high level of anxiety. As long as they are hurting no one else, or themselves, allow them to engage in the behaviors and encourage them to take note of the need to do those things so that they may discuss it with their primary care doctor.
There are many treatments for obsessive-compulsive disorder.
The two most common treatments for obsessive-compulsive disorder are prescription medications and therapy.
If your patient elects to choose a treatment for their condition, it is important that you remain as supportive and encouraging as you can about it. You can do this by helping them with referrals to specialists in your area.
As a physical therapist, you should have a list of these professionals. Your patient will be quite pleased that you are so supportive, and they may even start to exhibit the symptoms of OCD far less than normal during your physical therapy sessions.
Coping with your patient’s obsessive-compulsive disorder is not going to be an easy task. It is a comprehensive illness that seems rather complicated at first glance. You should work to ensure that you learn as much as you possibly can about this situation, and show empathy, compassion, and support to the sufferer.
Over time, understanding your patient’s OCD will become easier and the physical therapy sessions will prove to be more productive.
