Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Behind three of the most misunderstood letters in the medical alphabet.

There have been television specials, investigative reports, and criticism of the odd condition known as OCD. If you're unsure what obsessive-compulsive disorder is all about, read on to get a breakdown of what makes this condition so confusing.

O (Obsessive)

Everyone has obsessions. Some are obsessed with success, others with their good looks, and still others are obsessed with certain pop or movie stars. For many with obsessive-compulsive disorder, the obsession they hold takes over their lives. Individuals who suffer with OCD include can be obsessed with a variety of issues, including the following:

• cleanliness
• fear of disease or blood
• fear of certain foods
• fear of environmental hazards
• keeping clothing, cutlery, or other items in perfect order
• saying things with the perfect words and intonation
• remembering significant (and insignificant) events
• personal safety
• fear of being responsible for flood, fire, or other catastrophic events
• fear of losing information, objects, or people
• certain colors
• other thoughts or objects

These obsessions manifest themselves through worry. Lots of worry. When these obsessions go too far, they often turn into a need to act. And that brings you to the next letter in OCD.

C (Compulsive)

Because of the intense obsession that accompanies OCD, the OCD sufferer has a compulsion to do something about it. Without this compulsion, an individual with a certain obsession cannot be classified as suffering from OCD.
Depending on the obsession, the compulsive action can be nearly anything. An individual who obsesses over personal safety may lock and relock a door 5, 10, 20, or 30 times in a row to ensure it is locked properly. A person obsessed with avoiding illnesses may never shake anyone's hand and may avoid leaving his or her house in an effort to stay away from germs that may result in illness.

Someone who is obsessed with sound may spend hours tweaking the volume and various levels on a stereo in an attempt to get a song to sound just right. Regardless of the obsession, the resulting compulsive action can be very intrusive, preventing the OCD sufferer from being able to live an active, happy life.

D (Disorder)

The D in OCD makes it clear that this condition is not a normal part of life. Whereas it is natural for someone to want to be clean, it is out of the ordinary for someone to wash his or her hands multiple times an hour. And while there's nothing wrong with wanting to avoid getting hit by a car, spending all of your waking time thinking of ways to stay out of the path of oncoming traffic is not healthy.

Since OCD is indeed a disorder, it should not be dismissed as something that is simply in an individual's head. Instead, it should be approached as a medical malady that requires medical attention by a highly trained specialist. With the use of behavioral therapy, cognitive therapy, and medication, individuals with OCD can come to grips with their conditions and learn how to better live with OCD and fend off the obsessions and compulsions that make up OCD.

OCD Vs Quirks

Nearly everyone has strange little habits that could appear to be the result of obsessive-compulsive disorder. Your best friend has to have CDs lined up in alphabetical order. Your son wants the peanut butter spread perfectly even on the bread. And you insist on washing your hands before and after going to the grocery store.

However, none of these indicate OCD unless you, your best friend, or your son become anxious about the CDs, peanut butter, or hand washing to the extent that none of you can perform other activities until the CDs are lined up, the peanut butter is just right, and your hands are washed. Until then, you're all just a bit quirky, which is perfectly normal.