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Maybe we’re obsessed with OCD

Actually, we just find OCD to be very interesting. One aspect of the disorder that fascinates us as psychologists has to do with the fact that certain so-called “worry circuits” in the brain seem to be more activated than they should be in people who have OCD. Even more interesting is the fact that these worry circuits calm down in response to either therapy or medication. So it indeed appears that it is truly possible to retrain your brain. CE

Another way to think about your OCD

An interesting way to think about OCD is to see it as like having a Hollywood screenwriter living in your brain. That screenwriter specializes in writing scripts for horror movies. When you have an intensely worrisome thought or image (also known as obsessions), try to look at the thought as a creative product of that writer. Say to yourself, “There he goes trying to terrify me again. I know it’s just that OCD screenwriter at work in my head.” In other words, you start viewing your OCD thoughts as merely thoughts rather than reality. And appreciate the creativity of the OCD part of your mind. CE

Germs: Resistance is Futile (excerpt from our book Obsessive Compulsive Disorder For Dummies)

Some people with OCD spend hours vaccuuming in hopes of defeating dust and dirt in their homes. however, research led by Dr. Charles Gerba at the University of Arizona found that household vacuum cleaners not only may spread germs throughout the house, but also may be a safe haven for accumulating bacteria. Vacuum brushes apparently harbor fecal material, mold, and even E-coli. What to do about this situation? One recommendation has been to spray antibacterial disinfectant on our vacuum brushes after every use. Another solution is to bu a new breed of vacuum that purportedly kills bacteria and germs through the use of an ultraviolet, germicidal light.

Other researchers have found bacteria and fecal matter in ice machines at restaurants and on restaurant menus. Therefore, some suggest not using ice machines, not allowing a menu to touch your plates, and washing your hands after selecting your food from the infected menu.

The problem with these studies and recommendations is that no one has proven that any of these sources cause significant amounts of illness or idsease. Though reasonable precautions are always a good idea, you can easily start down the disintectant road and never return. Bacteria and germs exist everywhere. You cannot eliminate all of them, and you can spend huge amounts of time and money trying. CE

OCD Hoarder or Not?

Many people have trouble throughing things away. Most of us aren’t considered true hoarders. Hoarders are people who collect mostly useless junk and refuse to part with it even when it gets in the way of living in the home. Hoarders often have stacks of stuff on appliances and stairways and desks and floors. It gets so bad that there can be a fire hazard, insect infestation, and increase the risk of falls. Most hoarders do not want help so that makes them much more difficult to treat. LS

An OCD tip

If you have obsessive compulsive disorder, you are likely beset by disturbing, worrisome thoughts (known as obsessions). These are thoughts you do not want to have and that you probably try to keep at bay. However, attempting to suppress thoughts makes them worse. That’s because, in order to suppress thoughts, you must hold them in at least partial awareness. The better alternative is to accept your obsessions, but view them a little differently. They are just thoughts and by themselves cannot harm you. Learn to say, “those are just my OCD thoughts.” Let a mental health professional who is experienced in treating OCD help you learn how to do this. CE

What to tell others about your OCD

If you have a diagnosis of OCD you might want to share that with some close family and friends. However, not everyone will be understanding. So, think carefully about what your goal is in sharing the information before you decide to tell others about your obsessive compulsive disorder.

Hit and Run OCD

Another interesting form of OCD is sometimes called “Hit and Run OCD.” Hit and Run OCD describes people who greatly fear that they may run someone over with their cars. If they go over a bump in the road, they are likely to feel compelled to return to the scene of the feared accident over and over again just to be sure they did not actually hit someone. Upon returning home, they may spend hours checking the exterior of their cars for any sign that they may have hit someone–searching for scratches, blood, and so on. This problem isn’t “craziness,” it’s OCD. And again, it is highly treatable. CE

OCD

OCD is one of the most varied of all mental disorders. One person with OCD may dwell on fears of contamination. Someone else may have no concerns about dirt or germs, but obsesses about the need for perfect symmetry–spending hours everyday straightening the fringe on carpets and arranging items on a nightstand in a perfect order. Still others have a driven need to recheck everything they do. They check doorlocks, appliances, and all sorts of everyday actions to make sure nothing poses a danger. Some people have a mix of symptoms. Though these symptoms appear to have little in common with each other, they are all types of OCD and can easily destroy a person’s quality of life. That’s why treatment is so important–and it works!–CE

OCD

Cost/benefit analysis is a quick and easy cognitive technique that can help you decide whether or not to get help for OCD. Draw a line down the middle of a sheet of paper. On one side write benefits. Write down all the benefits of OCD–like OCD keeps you organized or OCD keeps you from getting contaminated. Now, on the other side write down all of the costs of OCD–every way that OCD detracts from your life. Some people may spend hours a day on rituals for OCD others may not be able to socialize. If you get stuck, ask for help from a therapist or a trusted friend. Happy Holidays, LS