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<\/span><\/p>\nOn a recent course I met a lady who told me another story. There was no baddie in this plot, at least not in the form of another person. For her, the baddie was an overpowering sense, that if she did not close the fridge door, then open and re-close it to make sure it was closed, 150 times, her dogs would die. Every time she went to the fridge.<\/p>\n
Or another lady who told me she is always late leaving the house because she has to check and recheck that all of the plugs and sockets are switched off in the bedrooms and kitchen, and that all doors and windows are locked. On the surface you may think that sounds careful and responsible.<\/p>\n
But for this lady it was far more. She then has to (note “has to”) take pictures on her mobile phone of all the sockets in the “Off” position, and all the doors secured, which she then sends to her husband to make sure she’s got it right. Every time she leaves the house.<\/p>\n
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) seems to be one of those conditions that society regards as “quirky”. I mean, most of us would say we get frustrated when someone moves our stuff, or adjusts our office chair when we are not in. Everyone’s “a bit OCD”, aren’t they?<\/p>\n
I’m not too sure what that is, but I do know it’s definitely not OCD.<\/p>\n
So what is OCD?<\/h4>\n
OCD is actually the least common Anxiety Disorder, and is hugely disabling for those suffering, as well as those close to them. It can develop at any age, although usually in adolescence.<\/p>\n
The Royal College of Psychiatrists estimate that around 1 million people in the UK will experience OCD, and that only 2% of people will develop the condition at some point in their lives.<\/p>\n
An obsession is an intrusive thought that keeps coming into the persons mind, and they can’t get rid of it. The most common examples are worrying about safety, being infected with germs, or wanting things arranged in a certain way, etc. They will often know the thoughts are inappropriate but can not get rid of them, which in itself is a source of further anxiety. No amount of telling them to snap out of it or stop being ridiculous is going to help.<\/p>\n
Often, the only way a person can deal with the anxiety of the obsession, is to think or behave in a compulsive way that neutralises that anxiety, or prevents it from coming true. If I don’t do this, something really bad is going to happen. So if a person obsesses about getting contaminated with germs, they might clean or scrub their hands repeatedly.<\/p>\n
Repetitive counting, checking, hording or cleaning are the most common examples.<\/p>\n