Obsessive Compulsive Disorder?

Question

Would this be considered a form of OCD? Writing down the temperature outside at the same time everyday. Writing down the last sentence of every program watched. Making sure certain pants and shirts go together and are worn on the same day of the week together.(Actual notes on clothes saying..these are Monday clothes). Writing down time someone calls and number they call from. Pinning the ends of the papertowel roll with straight pins,so the ends dont stick out. Making sure that your clothes are not washed with anyone elses, Writing down the date and time of everything you open from boxes of medicine to soap, etc.Writing down date you last washed your towels.Taking papertowels off ther roll and folding them in piles to sit next to the sink. Doing the same with toiletpaper. Having tons of pads,pencils and calendars around the house. Ok.. I know that is more than enough examples of certain behaviors this individual displays. What does it all mean and how can I help this person?

Answer 1

Yes. (And if anyone else says otherwise, they have never dealt with an OCD person before in real-life.)

If this person does not live in your house, be thankful -- for the sake of your own emotional well-being.

The name of the game is medication, and keeping them on the medication. Other thant that, there is really very little you can do for them. If they act very normal on outings with you (outside of their house or apartment) also be thankful.

Answer 2

OCD is not just a description of certain behaviors. It matters more how your brains acts when you do these behaviors. There are many descriptions of the disorder, but anxiety localized to when you feel you have to do these things is important.
It is more like extreme anxiety that comes on instantaneously, and leaves quickly after the "ritual" is done.
You may get the feeling that something bad will happen if you do not do that, even though you know that the "bad thing" is not realistic.
I suggest that you read more on the disorder before you jump to conclusions.

Answer 3

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is NOT determined just by a person having obesessions or compulsions. This is a very common mistake made my many people.

Note the difference in this comparison...

Timmy is obsessed with compulsively making sure he does not step on the cracks in the sidewalk. He goes to great lengths to avoid cracks, but if he "screws up," then life will go on., although he may experience frustration.

Kimmy is obsessed with compulsively making sure she does not step on the cracks in the side walk because she is overly worried that if she steps on a crack, harm may come to her mother. When she accidentally steps on one, she must do something to prevent something bad from happening to her mother, like she has to walk backwards 10 cracks, and then forward without making any errors, and then she calls her mom frantically to make sure no harm has come to her.

In the first scenario, the person is definitely obsessed and acting compulsively, but what he is experiencing is more of an Obsessive Compulsive personality disorder...where it's part of his personality to behave this way.

In the second scenario, the person is suffering from OCD. She has anxiety issues, and when it comes to her obsessions and compulsions, not doing things in a certain manner will bring forth something detrimental.

A person with OCPD may have to get up from bed 20 times to make sure the stove is turned off, just because he needs reassurance that he completed that task correctly...he doubts himself over and over again, whereas a person with OCD may have to get up and check the stove 20 times because she literally fears the house may burn down.

Both are treated similary in the medical sense, but some treatment options work better for one than the other...if either disorder interferes with his or her ability to function normal in society, then it is definitely something that needs to be addressed. Many people with OCPD can learn to just accept that they may have a heightened perfectionist personality trait, but a person with OCD actually has an anxiety type disorder, and they should seek medical advice a.s.a.p. But in either case, it's best to seek advice from a psychiatrist, and preferrably one who does NOT jump the gun and immediately prescribe medication. Counseling, behavior modification, changes in diet and supplements...all can help people in different ways. Medication can help many, but if you can get the symptoms under control without medications, it's always beneficial.

Answer 4

Yes, I would consider this a form of OCD. However, I really do not see how this will be detrimental to the person you are talking about. They'd probably be very difficult to live with but it really just sounds as though this person just likes things to be extra organised and meticulous. It isn't exactly the healthiest thing on earth but I would say he/she needs urgent attention. Best thing you can do is to get him/her to see a psychiatrist who may be able to help a little.

Answer 5

Yes, this is most likely obsessive-compulsive disorder and can be treated successfully with medication. The person should be seen by their family doctor to rule out any physical problems, and then be seen my a mental health professional.

Answer 6

Yes.
I can think of a lot of jobs where that kind of attention to detail would be very highly valued, though!

Answer 7

it's obvious... you need to consult a doc.. your case seems so complicated & if you try to help the person trun over a new leaf, i'm sure you'll go crazy!

Answer 8

If this is you I think it is all good. If it is a friend just be a friend they may be crying inside and someday it will come out and they will need a faithful friend.

Answer 9

This is a definate YES... they just need to see a doctor for meds.. and it will help equalize them.

Answer 10

geez...thats an obsessive compulsive disorder yep