Do you think of OCD as a mental illness?

Question

Such as you would with skitofrenia, bipolar, etc.

Answer 1

It is considered a disorder, but definitely not in the same boat as schizophrenia. I have both OCD and Bipolar 2 disorder and I try not to think of myself has mentally ill. It's no different than diabetes...it's chemical imbalances.

Answer 2

I have read on some of OCD because my ex girlfriend had it. Normally, OCD can appear to be some kind of illness due to a trauma at a young age, or an injury on the right side of the brain.
OCD, is just a paranoia, a fear of things caused by Anxiety and Depression. Many people who have it have to wash their hands over and over again or take 2 hour baths, and rinse and re-rinse their hair, or other things, but I think that over time it can be corrected, but you never know. Science has not discovered the TRUE meaning of OCD, however it is considered a mental illness.

Answer 3

Mmmmm, not quite. I believe it is classified as a mental illness, but definitely not the same category of depressive or psychotic, etc.
I think it a triggered by a reaction to severe, ongoing stress, perhaps a result of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, but I'm no expert.
If I were you, I'd research the heck out of it on WebMD, Dr. Weil, & other reputable web sites that aren't trying to sell you anything.
Knowledge truly is power, and especially so when dealing with any illness.
It helps you to recognize just what is part of the illness, a very normalizing thing at a time when you are feeling far from normal & not knowing what to expect or what's involved with the illness.
Empower yourself, be open to alternative therapies as a complement to conventional meds, and your success rate will be higher.
Here's to a Blessed Christmas and a healthy New Year for you (and sayin' a prayer :)

Answer 4

I believe it is. I was never officially diagnosed with OCD but I'm 100% sure since all the signs are there. I obsess about a LOT of stuff. I have unwanted thoughts, obsess about that for a couple of months, then switch to a new obsession, and so on. I have to have my handwriting perfect, I have to put on object on a desk/table in a certain position. Sometimes my unwanted thoughts get in the way of everything....literally. Last summer I wouldn't get out of the house, I stayed in the house for a whole month without taking ONE step out of it. Crazy huh? Yup, I don't know how I made it out of those unwanted thoughts, but they do come back once in a while.

It's just in my head, my brain causes them, thus, it is a mental illness.

Also, I believe every person in the world has some form of mental illness, whether it's mild or not.

Answer 5

Anything that is in the DSM-IV TR (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) is a disorder - i don't know if the term 'mental illness' is politically correct. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy or Cognitive Analytc Therapy can treat it effectively.

Answer 6

Well, yes and no. I don't categorize it in the same class as schizophrenia. But yes it is a mental illness. You don't "recover completely" from schizophrenia, but it can be treated with medication. However, it IS possible to completely recover from OCD.

Answer 7

OCD is a neurological disorder defined by recurrent, unwelcome thoughts
(obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) that OCD sufferers feel
driven to perform.
This is a very real disorder. Please refer to the links below. The definition above is from the OCD foundation.

Answer 8

I don't. I actually have O.C.D. When I walk into a room I need to turn the light on many times otherwise i can not concentrate and many other things too.

I don't like to consider this a mental illness though.

Answer 9

Yeah... it is consider a disorder so ... yes it is a mental illness

Answer 10

yes, OCD is a mental disorder.