Is there a such thing as a "worrying" disorder?

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eeiryrapmetal	Some kids like to wash their hands, but Sarah does it too much. She wants to stop, but her hands just don't feel clean enough and she can't make herself turn off the water. Sometimes she scrubs her hands until they are red and raw. After eating, she feels she has to wash again. Because she spends so much time washing, Sarah has to rush to get to school on time. At school, she tries not to touch doorknobs or handrails, worrying that if she does she may catch a serious disease. Sometimes, Sarah gets behind in her classwork because she feels that she needs to keep checking it over and over. During a quiz or test Sarah checks and rechecks every answer and erases anything that isn't perfectly straight or neat. Sometimes she erases so hard it tears the paper, but she can't help it. Sarah gets a bad feeling that if everything isn't exactly right, something terrible may happen. All this worrying, checking, and fixing takes so long that Sarah hardly ever finishes the test before time is up. So even though she knows the work, she often gets an incomplete or even fails. Sarah tries so hard to hide her habits. She worries that she might be going crazy or that people would think she's weird if they knew what she was doing. Sarah knows that the time she spends washing and checking could be spent having fun with friends or doing her schoolwork, but she can't seem to stop herself. That's because Sarah has obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). What is OCD? OCD is a type of anxiety (say: ang-zye-uh-tee) that happens when there is a problem with the way the brain deals with normal worrying and doubts. Kids with OCD worry a lot. And they feel afraid about bad things that could possibly happen. Like Sarah, some kids with OCD are afraid of getting dirty or catching germs. Others always worry that their parents will get sick or hurt. Others worry that something bad might happen to them. Some kids feel that they have to say things a certain number of times, ask questions over and over again, or keep things super-clean as a way to keep bad things from happening. Some kids even worry about thinking bad thoughts. They sort of believe that thinking bad things could make them come true. People with OCD worry so much that they can spend many hours, or even the whole day, worrying about things and trying to make sure the bad things they worry about don't happen. Normal Worry or OCD? Of course, it's normal to worry now and then. Everyone does. Kids may worry about getting lost or that something will happen to their parents. They may sometimes feel afraid that they will get sick or hurt. It's normal for kids to worry once in awhile about burglars, fires, or earthquakes. Sometimes, worrying can help kids learn how to be safe and careful. Normal worries come and go without causing too much of a problem. But OCD is much more than normal worry. Instead, the worry is really intense and it can happen over and over again. With OCD, the brain replays the worry thoughts and if nothing is done, the worry feeling can get worse and worse. These frequent worry thoughts are called obsessions (say: ahb-seh-shunz), and the behaviors people do to try to make the worry thoughts go away are called compulsions (say: kum-pul-shunz). What Are Obsessions? A kid who has OCD might have obsessions about illness or injury or dying. And these obsessive worries just don't quit. The brain keeps repeating them instead of moving on to something else. It can be a lot like that awful song you hear that gets stuck in your head. No matter how much you don't want to hear it, your brain just keeps playing it back. Having upsetting thoughts that you can't get rid of can feel terrible and scary. And having so many worry thoughts can make it hard to concentrate on anything else. OCD can take the fun out of almost anything. With OCD, someone may have obsessions about: germs or dirt illness or injury (involving the person or someone else) coming across unlucky numbers or words things being even or straight things being perfect or just right in a certain way making mistakes or not being sure doing or thinking something bad What Are Compulsions? Compulsions are the behaviors, or actions, that someone with OCD does to try to shut down the worry thoughts. Another name for compulsions is rituals. By doing compulsions, people with OCD hope to keep bad things they worry about from happening. They believe that doing a certain ritual will make the bad feeling go away and, for a while, it often does. They feel scared that if they don't do the ritual something bad will happen. Of course, plenty of people who don't have OCD have rituals or actions that are important to them. Maybe you tap your pencil three times before starting a tough test or sing a certain song just before diving off the high dive. Perhaps you have a lucky number or even a lucky pair of socks. But OCD compulsions are much more than doing something just for luck. Kids with OCD feel they have to do certain things over and over to feel protected from unlucky events. Kids with OCD don't really want to be doing rituals. But when you have OCD, performing the rituals seems like that's the only way to feel safe from bad things happening. And the more kids with OCD do these rituals, the more they feel like they have to do them. Kids with OCD can end up spending so much time on rituals that they have little time left for the things they really do want to do. Here are some OCD compulsions: lots of hand washing or showering (doing this way more than usual or having a hard time stopping) counting (like having to count 25 white cars before going into school) touching (like touching every single fence post between home and the bus stop) checking things over and over (such as doors, locks, or stoves) doing things a certain number of times (like having to try on five dresses before leaving your room) arranging things in a very particular or neat way asking the same question over and over tying and retying shoes over and over until they feel just right Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

Savannah H	Its silly I worry alot to but just try not to worry and face your fears Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

SUZI S	Other people who are anxious, depressed and bordering on agorophobia get help from a licensed psychotherapist. Without help your marriage will fail...your husband already knows you have a problem and to not deal with it won't make it go away. And, I feel sorry for your three-year old....can't stay with grandparents, friends.....wait until you are forced to put this child in school and he exhibits separation anxiety. Your selfishness in not getting help is hurting three people.... Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

RockStarBoy	I think there is b'cause I think i have it! but don't worry Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

cbtbcd12	There could be...I'll never claim to be an expert.I have come to the conclusion..Worrying is just wasted energy.Its one thing to care...another to dwell on something.Like the Guns and roses song Mr.Brownstone says....Worrying is just a waste of my time. Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

chocolatesweety	You could have a type of anxiety disorder. I myself have a form of one. It doesnt sound much like urs but u may have a milder case than me. I am taking medication for mine since it often made me so tense I would feel sick. I used to not be able to ride in a car or eat in a restaraunt or even fly in a plane without thinking I was going to be sick. I was diagnosed with OCD and put on Paxil. It worked! SO DONT IGNORE IT! maybe u need some professional help. Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

jon0055	this is most commonly known as anxiety and its when u get nervous a lot and think bad things when u havent done them before or when something bad that could happen...they have meds for severe anxiety//but for this case the only way to conquer ur fears are to face them.... for example i was in a hurricane in cancun 2 years ago and i was cryin so bad and i didnt want to stay i wanted to fly before it came but i couldnt so once it passed and left it was a lot worse than i thought it would be and it was definently a life changin experience. Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

superglue18000	wouldnt it be easier just to look it up? Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

Sample ID	There is a such diesese called worrying but i can't think of what it's called right off the top of my head. My mom has it, and she has trouble sleeping a lot of the time because of it. You just have a lot of important things going on lately. And don't worry about not having your 3 year old never sleep over somewhere. It's actually NORMAL for a kid to start sleeping over when they're about 7 or maybe even 8. Unless they're uncontrollably popular. But still the best way to fix yourself up is to go see the doctor. I sware...my mom went and now she's totally cured. They gave her this medicine that helps her to sleep at a specific time...which is 10:00 for her so she's used to being in bed sleeping around 10:00 to 10:30. It's normal. There's the medication the that the doctor will prescribe you...you should probably ask about it....it starts with an M. I can't remember. Whatever you do though don't let them give you Zannex. It screwed up my mom really bad for a long period of time and she had thoughts of suicide. (I feel as though i'm on a comercial or something!) But don't let them give you that. I hope youfeel better...but your husband is right. You should see a doctor and you may not want to because you feel like it's an insult and your being put down or like something's wrong with you, but you do need to get it fixed. I'll pray for you... Carly Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

janet	it's called 'generalized anxiety disorder'. google it and you'll find lots of info Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

here to help!!!!	anxiety stress Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

preacher7003	u do have anxiety, however millions of people suffer from this disorder. just because u worry, doesnt mean god is going to get mad at u. god will help u. the bible says, when u have done all u can do, stand, and watch the salvation of the lord. this means, do whatever u can to help ur self. go see a social worker, and go talk to ur dr.an let him ,send u to a phycharist. please dont take this wrong, ur not crazy, but life can be miserable, with out help.they have medicines to help you while god is healing you. ill be praying for you. and you will get better, because jesus heals. Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

rhonda y	It does seem like you have a problem You might want to talk to someone.....psychologists, minister. There are medicines that might help. I wish you much happiness. Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

Danielle R	Yes. If it keeps you from leading a normal life then you should see a doctor. Everyone worries to a certain extent but nobody should worry all the time about every little thing. Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

YuckItUp	I worry quite a bit and have to make a conscious effort to calm my mind at times. If your worrying is affecting your life and relationships. . .it wouldn't hurt to see someone about it. It sounds as though you are having anxiety. If you do not get a handle on your worrying they may boil over into panic attacks. . .honestly, go and talk to your doctor. It's no way to live. . . Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

kitty	It sounds to me like paranoia and over-analyzing. Sure, you could go to the doctor and he could prescribe you something really expensive and you could begin to worry about "Oh my god are these pills working oh my goodness I think I should take another, I don't feel any different, etc. etc". But the truth is, it's all in your mind. It's up to you to fix yourself, to fix this worrying. Activities like yoga or swimming can be a million times better than any doctor visits, any pills, if done properly. All you need to do is focus. Don't over-analyze everything. Follow your impulses. Let your daughter sleep over at a friend's house when you're ready. The only thing holding you back is yourself. Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

Maghrebia	my mom has just the same but she's fine. I'd say don't go to the doctor. the doctor will just prescribe medicine and that will have side effects. Just relax. Meditate more, have hobbies, etc.good luck! Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

virgodoll	I know I worry a lot too, are u a Virgo too, Coz I know Virgos worry a lot, I am so used to worrying, that when I have nothing to worry about I actually feel something's amiss, can't change it though, it's a part of my nature, I don't know if its a disorder or not, but I hope u find solace in knowing that you are not alone. Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

Lauren G	Sweetie, it is called General Anxiety Disorder. It is where you always prepare for the worst, worry endlessly over silly things, etc. A vast majority of people today suffer from it, and it is easily treated. Your anxiety can also lead to worse conditions, such as high blood pressure, malnutrition (from not eating), and exhaustion. It is nothing to be embarassed about, either. Just talk to your doctor and tell him you think you have GAD, and he will prescribe you something, and make certain suggestions for you. I personally take lexapro, and it helps a lot. Also to help you with the lack of sleep, there is a new med called LUNESTA which doesn't knock you out, but relaxes your mind and allows you to fall asleep. Good luck! Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

DJ C	The answer is yes worrying can lead to an illness known as generalised anxiety disorder (GAD). Dr Jim White, consultant clinical psychologist at the Clydebank Health Centre, near Glasgow, said that 'People with GAD do worry about whether they have an incurable disease, how they are going to pay the mortgage or if the car will get through its MOT, but what makes them different from the rest of us is that they worry about worrying. Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

Bobyns	Maybe you should see the doctor. Doctors can prescribe medications for different anxiety or worrying disorders. Each person reacts differently to different medications and all side effects need to taken in to consideration if you want to take medication. You might also try natural remedies as well. You might try a new or old hobby to try to distract yourself and thoughts. I think it is natural to worry if you are a smart person who even owns a TV. Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

Mary Mary Jane	http://panicdisorder.about.com/cs/gadbasics/a/chronicworry.htm Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

Lauren	There are multiple anxiety disorders relating to overexcessive worrying. The number one requirement for having this disorder is excessive worrying to the point where it significantly impairs your ability to function in your normal life. There are also subsections, such as phobias, related to more specific obsessive worrying. I have the same problem. I'm a compulsive worrier. I worry about things in the past, present, and future. I've never sought professional help but I know that there is very effective medications. Also, if you are against using medications, using relaxation techniques such as breathing methods and yoga will definitely help take the edge off the worrying. If you're worried about something, making lists and exploring it in more detail also helps. Let yourself know that you can't control the event, even if it did happen. You can look up more specifics here, but don't let someone else convince you that you have a problem if you don't feel that you do. Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

Kevinnius	You should see a doctor. Your worrying may be linked to and may be a symptom of something. Panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder among others. If it is indeed a medical disorder and you leave it untreated it can get worse, develop into Obsessive Compulsive Disorder or something worse. Again, see a doctor. I put it off and I really regretted it later. It took a long time to get back on track. Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

facetious5488	Yes, it's called Anxiety. I have the same exact symptoms as you, and I know Ined to go see the doctor. I always worry/expect the worse, and can't stop thinking/worrying about work and losing my job, even though I know I'm doing fine at work. I had a regular weekly meeting with my boss, and I get sick and sweaty at the thought of discussing things with her. Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

Pam	Worrying, anxiety, stress and depression are all in the same category if you ask me. They are all linked and it IS a medical disorder. See your doctor. Oh, and if you are wondering, I'm in the same boat and am taking meds for it. Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

ladynamedjane	My husband is the same and he was diagnosed with OCD so have it checked, he got meds and is better Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

Carrie	I'm the same - but I don't believe worrying is totally futile - it can be a blessing like I bet your child has never got food poisoning as you were always on the ball and threw out any food you worried may be off? I have a friend whose kids are always getting sick as they are laid back parents and forget to clean out the fridge often enough - you or I would never do that being worriers! You sound like a normal person who worries more than some and gets stressed out - but you sound like a very responsible person. If you actually have panic attacks (like the storm response you mentioned) maybe you should see a Doctor for something to calm you when theres a storm coming. Best Wishes, Carrie Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No