As Good As It Gets

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder OCD Characterized by unwanted, repetitive, thoughts and actions

Two Major Symptoms

Obsessions – repetitive thoughts you can’t get out of your head

Compulsions/Rituals – repetitive actions you must engage in to attempt to get rid of the obsessions

A good thing? Obsessive-compulsive tendencies are not necessarily a bad thing and can even be helpful

For example, good athletes are obsessed with practicing and good students are obsessed with studying – both can have very positive results (winning and doing well in school)

When does it become a problem? However, obsessions can take control of some people and this is when it becomes OCD

It becomes a problem when it causes you unnecessary anxiety and begins to interfere with your daily life/routines

Common Obsessions Fear of germs and contamination Fear of something terrible happening (fire, death, etc.)

Symmetry, order, or exactness (bothers you very much if things aren’t exactly as you feel they should be) Constant Doubts – “Did I lock the door, turn off the stove, etc.”

Common Compulsions Excessive hand washing, bathing, tooth brushing, or grooming

Repeating rituals (in/out of a door, up/down from a chair, etc.) “Checking and rechecking” – doors, locks, appliances, car brake, homework – may have to check something 10 or more times

A Daily Disruption Some OCD patterns can lead to rituals that take hours May take hours to shower and dress each morning because of hundreds of required steps that must be precisely followed

Is there any help? OCD is very treatable with medication and/or therapy

Unfortunately many feel too embarrassed and don’t seek treatment Those who do not may live stuck with their obsessive thoughts and behaviors for years and suffer unnecessarily