A Brief Look At OCD.
T H E R A P E U T I C T H U R S D A Y
It was difficult choosing a topic for today, there are so many good ones. I decided on OCD because we so often use it to describe ourselves when we do quirky little neurotic things. (I tell the people at UPS that I have OCD when I want my package taped up properly. I get uneasy when I see the haphazard way they slap the boxes together. I obsess that my box will fall apart when I’m not there — so I say something to restore my sense of order. Am I a control freak? Perhaps… 🙂 ) Few behaviors can make us feel or look more “crazy” than the tendency to obsess about irrational things and act compulsively in response to the obsessions. Robert DeNiro’s character in, “Silver Linings Playbook” is OCD and he gets big laughs. Jack Nicholson’s character in, “As Good As It Gets,” is also over the top OCD and is very funny — obnoxious, but funny. The success of Seinfeld, in part, was due to the fact that intelligent, successful adults acting irrationally is always comical. Neurotic behavior, for the most part, is funny. (Yes, I know it can be a serious condition. I KNOW!)
So what exactly is OCD and why do seemingly healthy people appear powerless when it comes to obsessing and acting compulsively? Obsessive Compulsive Disorder falls under the heading of ANXIETY DISORDERS. Anxiety disorders are actually easily treated with medication and can also successfully be treated with therapy. The behavior or compulsion, is an attempt to BIND the uncomfortable feeling of anxiety which comes in the form of obsessive and intrusive thoughts.
Chronic and Acute Anxiety can be caused by a chemical imbalance, genetics (OCD is passed down from generation to generation), a stressful environment — both long and short-term. When a person has INADEQUATE COPING to deal with high levels of fear/stress, they try to manage it by taking control of other externals. Examples would include; cleaning, hand washing (germ obsessions), straightening the fringe on the rug, checking the clock, checking outlets, lining items up in a certain sequence, ritualistic behavior, some tics, touching things in a certain way, etc. Repeating certain behaviors gives us a sense of control, albeit a false sense of control, but none the less, control which is desperately needed to maintain our equilibrium. It’s like the equivalent of self-medicating for those with Mood Disorders.
Anxiety is produced when we fear the unknown. When circumstances render us powerless and when we feel out of control, we look for ways to RESTORE ORDER. We look for ways to bind up our fears, to bind the nervous energy, to stop the obsessions and intrusive thoughts. That’s when we become obsessive and compulsive. On one end of the continuum is a full-blown panic attack, a fight or flight response; we start perspiring, our hearts race, our pupils dilate, our adrenaline pumps wildly and we feel sick, we feel that we’re in danger. (Me, on my 50th birthday in Vegas!) On the other end is a mild sense of uneasiness and apprehension. We’re aware that we’re anxious and we know the source – we’re able to manage the anxious feelings with rational thoughts and healthy messages.
If you suffer from OCD or anxiety and it disrupts your day-to-day functioning, meaning you have to make moderate to extreme accommodations for it – then I would seek help. No one needs to suffer from anxiety. It can easily be treated.
Another great post from therapy thursday!
So what is a good way to cope with/help someone having a full blown attack?
And how much of it is chemical vs. psychological?
Heavy duty meds! Just kidding, but not really. Call the family Dr. and explain what’s going on. I think a mild anti-anxiety medication would be perfect. In addition, I would make the person comfortable. Dim lights, soft music, cool rag, etc. Whatever they need to de-escalate. Lots of reassurance is good. Help them drift, if possible.
Usually a panic attack is psychological. Chronic anxiety, free floating anxiety, is usually chemical. Acute and sudden onset is usually situational. It can be a build up of unaddressed stress.
These posts are difficult to condense but hopefully they’re worthwhile?
Thanks, Guapo!
Definitely worthwhile! I’m looking forward to the next one.
Yay, Therapy Thursday!! I find my OCD attacks do intensify based on the external chaos of my life. I’m a person who has all of my clothes in the closet in type and then color order on white hangers. My dresser drawers are also in color order. I can say it makes it very easy for me to dress–Dark blue pants with a white silk blouse? Easy to find! Shoes, gloves, hats, scarves–a rainbow of color. When I find things around me becoming jiggly, I find myself straightening things to be in a precise line or tidying the silverware drawer, and, should it be too intense, I’ll start wheezing and feel weak.
I never allow my things to be untidy–but, I can carry the preciseness of things too far, I think. I have passed down the clothing thing, as both of my children are also “….everything has to be on a white hanger in order!” kind of people.
Another reason to try and keep a calm stress free environment! It’s all about equilibrium. But let’s just say, there are worse things than having a tidy drawer and closet, right?
I love OCD. I mean, I’m sure I wouldn’t love crippling OCD, but I like having little rituals or set things that I do. It’s just my way. Although, I have less rituals than I did when I was in high school. I think I probably had more stress and anxiety back then. Now I’m more relaxed.
Great post! I love that clip of As Good As It Gets!
I’m sorry for piggy-backing on Lily’s comment but for some reason the “Post Comment” button below the reply box is missing for me. It’s not you, it’s me. My compy has been doing bizarre things lately and I suspect this has something to do with it 😉
Great post! And it is not strange at all that you are overly cognizant of the tape on the UPS boxes. When we were moving from Korea back to the US, we mailed ourselves several boxes that we didn’t want to schlep across Europe with us while we were on vacay. And guess what? One wasn’t taped well enough and it apparently busted open all over the freighter we shipped it on. We got a lovely letter from the postal service that if we wanted to verify what was lost with receipts they would attempt to reimburse us. Hahaha of course the box contained about 150 pirated DVDs we had bought in subway stations throughout Seoul. So yeah, no receipts. Moral of the story is to tape well and tape often!
Emily,
Thanks for confirming my fears!! Haha! If I don’t say anything then I’ll obsess for hours and picture it all mangled. It’s better to be a weirdo and let your freak flag fly! Ha! I will continue to ask for extra tape. 🙂
Lily,
Thanks! Remember when you used to hit the top of the door in the hall? Haha? I can still see your ghost walking by and doing that, even from where I type this. HS is a stressful time. I’m glad you’re more relaxed now.
It is a good clip.
I think I have Lily’s form of mild OCD in that I have particular ways and routines for doing things.My husband says that it’s just typical lady nagging 🙂
Somehow I managed to skip over your comment!
Lily is definitely an OCD sort of gal. Some people, “Wear it well,” as Rod Stewart would say. She’s one of them – only because she finds humor in just about everything. I imagine you’re the same way. 🙂
And, “NO!”, to your husband – it’s not “lady nagging.” LOL!
Working with kids who have serve anixety issues (one had seizures from it) and OCD is an interesting experience. I have seen everything you talk about.
I always joke about myself that I have ADD, OCD, ADHD, CNN, ESPN and they all kick in at once.
But the kids I teach have the real deal and not the mental capability to deal with it. So they latch on to any type of control they can (had one kid who the only he felt he could control was his bowels and he saved that issue for when he was pissed).
Like anything dealing with mind there is help and meds available.
It’s more difficult with kids, I feel, and probably points to more of a chemical imbalance, don’t you think? Ugh! I’ve had my fair share of fecal fiascos! Haha! That particular behavior points to real trouble, something profoundly wrong in that picture.
I probably have all of the ones you mentioned and then some! I blame my OCD on my Russian and German ancestors, my mood disorder and addictions on my Irish family, and everything else on my dysfunctional family of origin!
There’s always meds and help if needed. Oh, and a good sense of humor doesn’t hurt, either.
Very true.
One thing I have really learn is that I take my students to yoga twice a month. It really destresses them.
I always try to keep my sense of humor going. That is one thing that keeps me sane.
What a great post.. Educating people such as myself who have had limited (or at least that I know of) to someone who suffers with OCD..I actually just watched on Netflix this past weekend a great doc that this man filmed so others could experience how his life is with OCD. “OC 87” is the film..
I feel so blessed to not have this situation..
When OCD is extreme it’s really so disruptive – you can’t live a normal life with any quality. luckily it CAN be treated. No one has to suffer needlessly. Some forms are harder to treat than others, but still, anxiety disorders can effectively be treated with meds.
I wouldn’t wish OCD on anyone. Life is hard enough without that struggle.
I am digging this new series Lisa. I definitely clean to control and the hubs is like you with the packaging. A fine pair we are indeed.
Did you notice the name of the person who posted the clip? Beefweef .. haa
Haha! I didn’t notice!
I clean AND watch with an eagle’s eye, how people do their jobs. I’m just a bit controlling!! Lol!
I used to have anxiety really bad. Turned out the heavy drinking was what made it worse. I believe that my family has a neurological weakness in this area — I shouldn’t use this phrase because I don’t really know. I’ll just say that my dad (deceased), brother and mom are nervous types. My sister doesn’t seem to be. She’s 18 years younger than I am. Maybe things shifted by then. So with this genetic history, I should probably stay away from alcohol and drugs. Some of the worst anxiety I ever had was after a night of indulgence.
You can see why people self medicate with alcohol and drugs. Anything for relief. Like you said, though, it’s temporary and actually makes things WORSE!! WAY WORSE. It’s like throwing lighter fluid on a fire. You’re taking an anxious feeling and increasing it ten fold. Alcohol only adds to the out of control feeling. You probably have a genetic predisposition for anxiety. It runs through my family, too. Back in the day, when they didn’t have meds to address anxiety, people drank heavily and often died from their addictions. Very sad.
You’re wise to put it all together and stay away from indulging with alcohol. It’s just not worth it.
Paranoia going on here… Why isn’t Word Press sending my Gripping Life to my mailbox? Is it personal? Are they trying to push me further over the edge? Seriously Grippy… if I don’t check, I don’t get the posts, but it says I’m following. I need help! Another brilliant post friend. Off to Israel in the morning, but will be checking in when I can. Be well. xo
No worries. The same thing happens to me all the time. The blogs I follow are randomly dropped. Sometimes it takes me weeks to figure it out! Stupid wordpress!
Have a wonderful time in Israel! I’m jealous. Be safe, Dawn.
I’ll be here when you get back, waiting to read all about it.
Have fun and take care!
XoX
I’ll try to post as I go… but we’ll see how much wifi I find. Freefalling for 10 days. 🙂
I really love this new series. I think you will help a lot of people. I have a few little rituals but I never thought of them as something that developed because of anxiety. Mostly I obsess over dishes in the sink, and that started when I had my daughter. Makes me twitchy. Washing all the bottles and pump parts did kind of help with all the anxiety I felt those first 6 month. Interesting perspective and information!
Hopefully, if I help, it will be to de-stigmatize these kinds of issues.
It’s funny how those little rituals and behaviors become our coping/ response to our anxiety. I could easily see moms during that first year of their child’s life, being especially anxious – I know I was. I had a lot of that kind of behavior. I would also obsess about freaky things like imagining myself leaving my baby in the car, etc. Your mind just goes to the worst possible places when you’re under that kind of stress and then you come up with ways to deal with it.
Thankfully, it passes and it’s all very normal. 🙂
My husband and my in-laws have OCD. It’s usually cleaning, which wouldn’t seem like a bad thing but they don’t relax much. I think I’ve learned to adapt. I don’t believe anyone has ever had medication. This is a great series, Lisa. I look forward to the next one. – Amy
Thanks, Amy! Yeah, cleaning is probably the most common. My father’s side of my family is just as you described – it’s like a nervous energy, and you’re right, they can’t relax. It’s like nothing is ever clean enough or orderly enough. I have a touch of this from having grown up with it. (environment and genetic) At least I can recognize it. Mild medication can really help, also keeping stress levels down.
I don’t think any of my in-laws think they have any problems. You know, it’s their “normal.” So, I just tolerate and try to accept the good bits of it. Their houses are always clean!
My husband puts people shoes away when they come over. They’re always asking, “What happened to my shoes?” It’s quite comical.
That’s so funny! My dad is that way, exactly. He had a boat and when he first got it he showed our family the designated closet for, “Foul weather gear” – I kid you not. My sister’s and I howled!
Hi,
Very interesting and informative post. Reading your post reminded me of a TV series that I really used to like about an OCD detective “Monk” I don’t know if you ever watch this, but I thought it was a brilliant series.
Thanks, Mags! My daughter told me to include “Monk” in my examples. His character is a perfect example of how OCD can interfere with your day to day life. OCD is really just a response to anxiety and stress. If a person could figure out where the anxiety originates they could help themselves to turn things around. Still, it’s an issue that could use professional help in turning thoughts around and coming up with new coping.
Awesome and informative post!
Thanks, Millie! Hopefully it will increase the dialogue or, at the very least, help erode some of the stigma attached to mental health issues.
Great post Lisa. I found this disorder to be really difficult to deal with in my life, especially when my son died (everything you say fits my story) but eventually I did find help through Charles Linden’s approach. He can be found online and he basically deals with distraction methods and drawing the mind out of its obsession with the fear. It worked for me, though I do realize one has to be ready for these things. The link is here for anyone who might want to explore the method and my article (which is about having these attacks and not knowing what to do) shows a video of someone else who was assisted. Thanks for a great professional look at this horrible disposition Lisa.
http://yazrooney.wordpress.com/2012/11/20/anxiety-and-panic-the-miracle-of-the-linden-method/
Yaz, I can only imagine how your mind would keep wandering back to the circumstances of your son’s death. It’s so heavy. You really can’t have any quality of life when your mind pulls in that direction. I imagine the world just feels terribly unsafe and scary – danger lurking around every corner. The anxiety from this actually feeds itself. The fear starts to become about having an attack. Right? You actually get further removed from the original trauma/cause and the panic becomes it’s own trauma. Distraction is absolutely the key when it comes to panic and agoraphobia type issues. Mild medication can help if you’re in full blown panic. I had an episode on an airplane recently, and I literally thought I was going to die. I’m sure it was quite a spectacle! My son was horrified. 🙂 It took me several days to find my balance and feel normal again.
There’s another blogger who suffers from these panic attacks and she also has a difficult time leaving the house. I’ll tell her to look into the Charles Linden’s approach. It may help her, too.
OCD seems like a much more manageable response to anxiety comparatively, doesn’t it? It really is so individual. So many things, in varying degrees, factor in.
I’m so happy that you found relief to something so debilitating and intolerable.
Happy day!
As always, thanks for your thoughtful comment, self-disclosure and helpful link.
Lisa 🙂
I think we all have remnants of OCD or maybe we don’t and I am mildly OCD–anxiety is horrible thing–
Anxiety is really debilitating. The good news is that there are ways to remedy this disorder. There are behavioral and cognitive methods as well as medications that can be taken as needed. OCD is just our mind’s easy response to restore our equilibrium. I’d say a very good portion of the population has it on some level, like you said.
mine would be alleviated by a big lottery win
That’s funny, so would mine!! ha!
two peas in a pod are we!
tee-hee!
I’m not OCD, but I do have RED…Repetitive Eating Disorder 🙂 I like to make up things …
In all seriousness, thanks for the insight; neurosis can be funny, but it’s very serious for the person that struggles with it in their lives. I think most of us that say “I’m OCD” would be completely overwhelmed if they REALLY had OCD – like Adrian Monk kind of OCD….
Exactly, it’s funny when we’re just observing it. Having it and suffering through it is no picnic, although it can be eliminated effectively. Some people who have it don’t realize that it can be dealt with very easily. I think a lot of people are afraid to get help, afraid of what they’ll find out… so they stay stuck needlessly.
Anxiety issues and our responses are all very normal. 🙂
great post Lisa….got me thinking…thinking…thinking…and then I ruled out me having OCD…wait a sec…maybe I do…I recheck every document a million types before sending it to people…would that qualify?
If you obsess and feel you HAVE TO CHECK – then yes, it probably would qualify you.
If you’re a casual checker and don’t obsess about mistakes in an unchecked document, then you’re probably pretty healthy. 🙂
I do think checking shows that you are conscientious, and that’s a good thing – it’s when it becomes obsessive that it could be considered a problem. It can be a fine line. For instance, I would want my air traffic controller to check a million times to see if the coast was clear! haha!
When I was 16 I was having panic attacks – sick stomach, run to the bathroom attacks – my Dr. put me on a 600 calorie diet compete with amphetamines (I lost 28 pounds in 28 days); the feared barium enema and a slew of other tests, nothing worked! He suggested I stopped drinking milk. I did and bye bye panic attacks. Turned out I am lactose intolerant. But I have a 40-year-old daughter who has OCD which has nothing to do with dairy products. For her it’s a serious struggle. Good post!
I’ve actually never heard the connection between dairy/lactose intolerance and panic/anxiety attacks. When you say “panic attacks” did you feel like you were going to die, like a fight or flight, sweating, pupils dilated, racing pulse…? Or was it more of a sick stomach? I could see where a sick stomach and being lactose intolerant would cause you to panic, like your were going to have an accident. But I suspect we’re speaking of two different things. The panic attacks I speak of are brought on by intense anxiety. They wouldn’t include running to the bathroom. I’ll look into it. If your right, that’s a very easy cure.
OCD is, as I’ve explained, a response to anxiety – a way to bind anxiety.
Thanks for your comment!!
I’m late to your wonderful post. I love these, Lisa and thank you for using your gift and knowledge to help others feel “not so out of control.” I think I too suffer from this to a certain extent from your description anyway. I find myself checking and re-checking the coffee maker or thinking I’ve left something on when I leave the house. Not always, just when I feel anxious about things. Perhaps there is also “situational’ OCD? I feel as if I’ve always had an anxiety thing and I’ve suffered one of those full-blown panic attacks (NOT FUN), but I try to do deep breathing and calm down. Not so easy but it works most of the time.
Thank you for these — they help so many, but that is your nature. xxoo
Yup, there is situational anxiety! No one is immune to that, like taking a test or having a big project due at work or buying a new house, etc. Stuff like that. I think most people know the responses that fall in the “normal” range. If you absolutely can’t leave the house without checking every outlet, then that’s obviously a slight problem. Even so, it’s easily treated with cognitive therapy. It’s like you said, it’s more pronounced when we’re under stress.
I’ve only had one panic attack and it was sheer terror. I literally thought I was going to die. I’m sorry that we’ve both been in situations that produced that kind of panic.
Thanks for the encouragement with these posts and your thoughtful comments. It’s hard to keep them short. I thought they might help get rid of some of the stigma connected to mental health issues. When people self disclose it makes it safer to jump in and talk about stuff. Good for everyone including me. 😉
Thanks, Brigitte!
Xoxo
Another excellent post! Question: is some amount of repetitive or ritualistic behavior in children part of normal development?
I think so, yes. Interestingly it can be for the same reasons. In children we might call it “self soothing.” Children are comforted by routine, structure and familiarity. Often when you see them do little repetitive or ritualistic behaviors it’s just them de-escalating. Still, if they become very agitated when unable to complete a ritual then that could be a sign of trouble. The other thing to look for would be tics. Those are not so normal and can point to something more neurological.
Most children outgrow these behaviors. If they seem to be increasing in intensity or duration then I would talk to a pediatrician.
Vickie, I was in a diner when I replied and had to leave in a hurry. I did’t get a chance to say thank you. Your question was a very good one. It made me think.
Hi Angel, very much appreciated the response. I think I’ve observed both… but, a tic is something like being unable to sit without twitching your leg up and down? Besides making me think we’re having an earthquake every time we sit down to dinner it might be something I should investigate further.
Hey! I’m comforted by routine, structure and familiarity… Thanks and hugs, V
There’s so much wonderful information here. I love the posts themselves and then they get everybody talking and there’s lots more wisdom to follow. I’m so sorry to hear about your panic attack. I can’t imagine how horrible that must be. I’ve never had a true panic attack but I have felt panicky before and it’s the worst feeling I’ve ever felt.
Thank goodness there is medication for OCD and panic attacks, now. You’re absolutely right, life is hard enough without having to deal with something like this minute by minute day in and day out as well! How exhausting, you wouldn’t be able to really enjoy anything.
And sometimes just getting the conversation started is the best thing of all. And you always do that so well Lisa! 😀
I didn’t know it could be passed on! Though it seems quite logic now I think about it.
I remember your birthday in Vegas, a very good moment to become really OCD’ish ;).
haha! My birthday in Vegas! What a total nightmare.
Yes, I it can be passed down by both genetics and watching adults/parents model this behavior. Kids can pick up their parent’s coping mechanisms and of course, nervous energy.
A BRIEF look at OCD…now that is funny…I mean it was meant to be right?…I’m sure it was, wasn’t it…it is kind of funny…if you think about it…at least a little dontcha think?
Much love and many blessings…from Susie, The Gang of 5, and yours truly…be encouraged!
If only OCD was brief! Wouldn’t that be great?!
Much love right back to you and Susie and of course, The Gang of 5. 🙂
It would be the best gift ever to those who struggle with it…thinking of you…much love…from Susie, the Gang of 5, & me…be encouraged!
Do you mind if I quote a few of your posts as long as I provide credit and
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as yours and my users would really benefit from some of the
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Thanks a lot!
Take what ever you want. I’m easy that way. If any information can help someone, then it’s all worthwhile and I’ll be happy. I’ll go and check your blog out, I always enjoy like minded people! Haha!
Lisa