There's a difference between being a perfectionist and having obsessive-compulsive disorder
(OCD). Perhaps you keep the floor in your garage so clean you could
sleep on it. Or you like your belongings arranged just so. Those are
not necessarily obsessive-compulsive behaviors. For people with OCD,
ritualistic behaviors may literally take over their lives.
Obsessive-compulsive
disorder is a type of anxiety and is probably more common than you
think. Because the obsessions and compulsions can be so hard to
disregard, OCD can become disabling and chronic. But the best news is
that treatment can help bring obsessive-compulsive behaviors under
control.
Obsessions
Obsessions
are repeated, persistent, unwanted ideas, thoughts, images or impulses
that you experience involuntarily and that appear senseless. These
obsessions typically intrude when you're trying to think of or do other
things. Typical obsessions might be related to:
Fear of contamination or dirt
Repeated doubts
Having things orderly and symmetrical
Aggressive or horrific impulses
Sexual images
Not all obsessions fit in the above categories, however.
Compulsions
Compulsions
are repetitive behaviors that you feel driven to perform. These
behaviors are meant to prevent or reduce anxiety or distress related to
your obsessions. For instance, if you believe you left a burner on the
stove, you may keep going back to your home repeatedly 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.
Typical compulsions might be related to:
Washing and cleaning
Counting
Checking
Demanding reassurances
Repeating actions over and over
Arranging and making items appear orderly
With OCD, your quality of life can decrease dramatically
as you become consumed with carrying out compulsive behaviors and
rituals. Most adults can recognize that their obsessions and
compulsions don't make sense. But, even if your rituals are deeply
ingrained, treatment can help. For insight into thought field therapy for OCD, please see the Callahan Techniques Web site.
To reach my office, please call (512) 372-9595.
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will be provided via e-mail. Meeting with you in-person
is the most-productive way to help you achieve your goals.
Sue Legacy, ACSW, LCSW Counseling and Therapy Offices 4408 Spicewood Springs Road, Suite 104 Austin, Texas 78759 (512) 372-9595 Registered domain names: LegacyCounselingAustin.com and SueLegacy.com
