In the 1997 hit movie, “As Good As It Gets,” Jack Nicholson plays the role of Melvin Udall, a best-selling novelist who suffers with a condition known as obsessive-compulsive disorder. While the movie is quite funny, and Nicholson does an outstanding job in portraying his troubled character, obsessive-compulsive disorder is no laughing matter.
An obsession is a thought or fear that repeats itself over and over in a person’s mind. The person with OCD does not purposely ponder over his particular obsession; in fact, he may even find that he is having these repetitive thoughts disturbing, yet he cannot make them go away. There is no specific pattern or particular time of day that these thoughts might occur. A person may experience obsessive thoughts only once in a while and find them slightly annoying, while others wrestle obsessive thoughts all day every day.
The Compulsion
Compulsive behavior is the by-product of obsessive thought patterns. Obsessive thoughts often spark feelings of anxiety. As a result, compulsive behavior may manifest in an effort to rid oneself of their unwanted thoughts. For example, a person with obsessive thoughts about germs may wash his hands repeatedly to the point of pain until the obsessive thoughts begin to wane. Performing these various rituals may make the anxiety go away temporarily, but once those feelings of anxiety return, the OCD behavior repeats itself all over again.
Some obsessions may include:
• Germs
• Order
• Cleanliness
• Hygiene
• Performance
• Reputation
Some common compulsions include:
• Personal hygiene such as repeated hand washing, showering or brushing teeth
• Making sure drawers have been closed, appliances turned off, locks engaged and alarm clocks set
• Repeated actions such as sitting down and rising from a chair, repeated touching of an object
• Arranging items in a certain way
• Repeatedly counting to a certain number
• Hoarding
• Always looking for approval
Treatment
Obsessive-compulsive disorder can be controlled with some of the same medications that are prescribed for depression, including clomipramine, fluoxetine, sertraline, paroxetine and fluvoxamine. Side effects from these medications may include dry mouth, nausea and drowsiness. Some of these medications may also have sexual side effects. You may have to take the medication for a few weeks before you achieve maximum results; however, you may begin to notice subtle improvements after only a few weeks.
When facilitated by a trained counselor, behavior therapy is another effective way of treating obsessive-compulsive disorder. In these therapy sessions, a person must first confront the known triggers of their obsessive thoughts and anxiety and then they are encouraged to avoid the repeated behaviors they usually perform in order to get control of their anxious feelings. For instance, the germaphobe may be encouraged to use a public restroom and wash his or her hands only once. This method should not be used if the person who has OCD is not able to tolerate the resulting anxiety that these suggestions may stir up.
Most people who suffer with obsessive-compulsive disorder often wrestle with other types of anxiety that may manifest in the form of phobias or panic attacks. Most people with OCD may also have depressive disorder, attention deficit disorder, eating disorder, or a learning disorder such as dyslexia. If you have one or more of these disorders, it may be initially difficult to diagnose and treat; therefore it is important that you speak with your healthcare provider as soon as you notice any unusual symptoms. It is natural to experience feelings of embarrassment due to the fact that you are unable to maintain control of your thoughts or actions, but help is available, and the right medication may relieve you of your suffering once and for all.
posted March 9, 2012 at 3:41 am
this is really interesting. thanks for sharing this one.
posted February 7, 2012 at 9:32 pm
Thank you for this article.
To be included in the list of obsessive/compulsive – should be of “people”. They get obsessive and compulsive regarding other people through expression/concepts e.g. when I tried to break off any type of contact with an individual his obsessive compulsive behavior is like a stalker & other types – interfering/hindering every part of my life. I had hired him and fired him and resigned my affiliation with him. He just doesn’t understand that I do not want him in my experience what-so-ever – no matter how I express kindly, sternly, angrily, with authority, to cease and desist, with promise of action. He continues on with his obsessive/compulsive behavior.