I'm a little obsessive compulsive, should I...?

Question

I've got obsessive compulsive disorder (no, not as bad as the guy on "Monk"). I don't freak out over cleanliness, I just have to have a lot of things places in a specific way. It doesn't bother me, but I had a dorm roommate that had to get a different room because he couldn't deal with it. I actually live in an appartment now (I can't live on the East side of the campus), but people still complain about it when they come over. Should I do something about it? See a doctor, maybe? I don't know if they can do anything, though.

Answer 1

I see nothing wrong about it, since that's just the way you are. Its only natural that some may be bothered about it while others may not. If it will make you feel better, then why not try seeing a specialist? Maybe he or she can answer some questions you may have. I don't think you need help, because I don't think you're sick or anything. :)

Answer 2

According to the reading I have done regarding hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), the brain, when it senses that blood sugar is low, will do sometimes strange things to get the blood sugar (glucose) out of storage and into the blood stream. Adrenaline is one sure way to do this. If having things out of the "specific way" and putting them back that way gives you an adrenaline spurt, low blood sugar may be the cause.

Suggestion? Put off rearranging for 30 minutes the next time you feel the need. Go to the kitchen and get some protein, meat, a can of tuna (salmon is better) or whatever, and eat it. Also have some carbohydrate, like a handful of chips, an apple, or some carrots/celery, and also some nuts or peanut butter. Eat at least 2 ounces of the protein. Then drink a glass of water and do something else for 30 minutes, like taking a walk or exercising or singing. You may find your need to fuss has lessened a bit.

I gave this prescription to a lady at work, cause she knew she was driving her family nuts. It may not bother you, but it seems to bother the people you have over. You may want to check out the symptoms link on www.hufa.org, and see how you check out.

Answer 3

Honestly - if it's not bothering you and isn't getting in the way of your life, then I wouldn't worry.

It's only when you find yourself incapable of getting on with ordinary life (such as people continually washing their hands who can't work etc) that it becomes a problem.

If you live alone, why is it anyone else's business where the things in your place are. It's your home, have it how you like. People should just respect that.

It sounds like you have a mild case of OCD - if it gets out of control, then go see your doctor. There are therapies etc that can help.

Answer 4

Being fussy is not an OCD. Do you imagine that bad things will happen? Do you see images in your mind of horrific events? Do you get extremely anxious if things are not in order? If you can answer yes to at least 2 of the above, then yes, see a Doctor!!

Answer 5

You could try the only online (free) cognitive behavioural therapy site-moodgym
It might help you put it in perspective; if not there are medicines which have evidence bases for effectiveness in OCD, though your problem sounds mild (not wishing to belittle what's obviously a problem for you), like at the top end of "very tidy" in the spectrum
Good luck
Paul

Answer 6

Talking to a doc isn't a bad idea.Just to let ya know,your not alone...my friends and family actually call me monk or monkish sometimes...lol.We all kinda have fun with it.I wish it was about cleanliness..hehe,but like you certain things have their place and must be a certain way.I've never mentioned it to a doc...maybe I should,but as I said sometimes it can be funny.Learn to laugh at yourself others will probably follow.Good Luck!♥

Answer 7

I'm a bit like that too, I guess I'm picky over my things. I like things to be taken care of and I make sure everyone knows it. I like things to be in certain places also. I know I sound like an absolute b-atch sometimes and I know how anyone can stand me either. I would like to be more pleasant to live with but I can't seem to control this. I wonder if two of the same kind of people like this lived together if it would be heaven or hell?

Answer 8

Well, if you are really concerned about it, you should contact your doctor, and he can probably prescribe something to help with your OCD. But don't do it because other people are having a problem with it. It's YOUR business and not theres, they can just deal with it.


I have a form of OCD, where everything has to be in its correct order, and there is noo possible way I can sleep, with something being misplaced. Sometimes it can bother other people, but like I said, i'ts THERE problem, not mine. I just tell them to live with it.

Answer 9

Desensitising is the key - completely mess up your room - and force yourself to live in it - and when you feel the need to straighten something up - throw it the other side of the room or something, obviously as long as it is not breakable. Keep on doing this and you should become normal again and just want reasonable tidiness like the rest of us !

Answer 10

You could see a doctor about it and go to therapy. If your friends complain when they come over, why do they still come over? If your friends were considerate, they would not complain about it, maybe tease you a bit about it. I had a friend who liked everything in a specific place. We used to kid him that he even had a circle on his desk so he would know where to place his coffee cup.