I have this weird 'itch' to do some things that other people may find unusual. For example, I can't study or work if my table is untidy and in disarray. And when I say I "can't study", I mean I really can't. Not if a speck of dust is still visible on the table. Bizarre? Here's more. I am a super systematic person that I practically plan every activity that I do for one day. The moment I wake up, my mind starts to prepare the clothes I'll wear up to the things I will do in the clinic. Uncanny?
I have had other peculiar behaviors in the past that I think I have outgrown through time. Being born on September, people say I am a perfectionist by nature. I don't believe in astrology but I can say that it's a surprising coincidence for me to have that 'virgo' personality.
Others brand me as an O.C. , short for having an 'obsessive-compulsive' behavior. I don't agree with that label but I don't deny it as well. For all it's worth, here's a post regarding this form of anxiety disorder that I, and maybe you, are sometimes accused of.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Do you wipe off the doorknobs in your home each time someone touches them? Do you go to great lengths to avoid stepping on cracks in the sidewalk? Or do you feel compelled to wash your hands so often that they've become raw and chapped?
Feeling driven to perform such rituals over and over may indicate that you have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). If you have obsessive-compulsive disorder, ritualistic behaviors may literally take over your life. You have distressing, unwanted thoughts or images that don't make sense to you. These thoughts or images keep coming back despite your efforts to ignore them. You may strive to hide OCD from friends and co-workers for fear of being labeled "crazy."
But obsessive-compulsive disorder, a type of anxiety disorder, is probably more common than you think. And it can affect both adults and children. Because the obsessions and compulsions can be so hard to disregard, OCD can become disabling and chronic. But the good news is that treatment can help bring obsessive-compulsive disorder under control.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms include both obsessions and compulsions. OCD symptoms can be severe and time-consuming. For instance, someone who feels that his or her hands have become contaminated by germs — an obsession — may spend hours washing them each day — a compulsion. The focus on hand washing may be so great that he or she can accomplish little else.
Obsessions are repeated, persistent, unwanted ideas, thoughts, images or impulses that you experience involuntarily and that appear to be senseless. These obsessions typically intrude when you're trying to think of or do other things.
Compulsions are repetitive behaviors that you feel driven to perform. These repetitive behaviors are meant to prevent or reduce anxiety or distress related to your obsessions. For instance, if you believe you ran over someone in your car, you may return to the scene over and over because you just can't shake your doubts. You may even make up rules or rituals to follow that help control the anxiety you feel when having obsessive thoughts.
The causes of obsessive-compulsive disorder isn't fully understood. Main theories include biological make-up, environment, insufficient serotonin, streptococcal infection of throat.
Several factors can increase the risk of developing obsessive-compulsive disorder, including family history, stressful life events and pregnancy.
There's a difference between being a perfectionist and having obsessive-compulsive disorder. Perhaps you keep the floors in your house so clean that you could eat off them. Or you like your knickknacks arranged just so. That doesn't necessarily mean that you have obsessive-compulsive disorder.
In OCD, your quality of life can decrease dramatically as the condition dictates most of your days and you become consumed with carrying out compulsive behaviors and rituals. Most adults can recognize that their obsessions and compulsions don't make sense. Children, however, may not understand what's wrong. But the lives of both children and adults can be severely affected by OCD. Children may find it difficult to attend school, and adults may find it difficult to work. Relationships also suffer.
If your obsessions and compulsions are affecting your life, talk to your health care professional, such as your primary care doctor or mental health professional. It's common for people with OCD to be ashamed and embarrassed about the condition. But even if your rituals are deeply ingrained, treatment can help.
Left untreated, obsessive-compulsive disorder can make your life unpleasant and unenjoyable. You may feel that you're being held hostage by OCD because you're unable to go about your normal routine and activities. School, work and social relationships all can suffer as more of your time is devoted to your obsessions and compulsive behavior.
OCD can also increase the risk of suicide because it can be so demoralizing and distressing. And it increases the risk of alcohol and substance abuse as people turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms. In some cases, OCD can cause physical complications. For instance, you may feel compelled to wash your hands so often and so harshly that you wind up with dermatitis.
There's no specific way to prevent obsessive-compulsive disorder from developing, since its cause isn't known. However, getting treatment as soon as possible can help prevent OCD from worsening.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a chronic condition, which means it may be part of your life for the long term. However, psychotherapy, medications and self-care can help you control OCD symptoms so that you can live a normal life.
Self-care steps you can follow include:
- Sticking to your treatment plan, even if it's sometimes uncomfortable or challenging
- Taking your medications as directed and talking to your health care professionals about side effects or other concerns
- Joining a support group to share experiences with others in a similar situation
- Enlisting support of loved ones who can offer encouragement in tough times
- Learning about your disorder so that you understand the myths and realities
- Avoiding alcohol and illicit drugs as coping mechanisms
- Getting involved in social activities, rather than isolating yourself
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