O.C.D. - Do you think i'm suffering from it?

LegacyUser

I was just looking for some opinions on this, particularly from people who happen to suffer from it? Obsessive Compulsive Disorder - do you think I'm suffering from it? The reason I ask is this:

I often find that things have to be "just right" and can get quite upset when they're not. Things that don't seem to be important to other people are very important to me. For example, the layout of things in the fridge. Cartons of milk have to be placed facing a certain way, with the use-by date clearly readable, i.e. not facing upside down or sideways. They have to be facing so you can read the date on the top just as you are reading this right now. Also, they have to be placed on the lower inside shelf on the door, with the currently open, closest-to-expiry carton at the right, at the outer edge of the door, the newest cartons going back towards the left. As each carton is used, all other cartons must then be moved along to the right, like some kind of assembly line.

Items have to be placed in certain places or on certain shelves in the fridge or kitchen presses and if somebody doesn't put it back in it's proper place, with the label clearly facing outwards, I can get quite upset.

Another good example is the televison. I always have to turn the television off with the station left on 1 (RTE 1), and this has to be set by going backwards down the channel numbers, i.e. I will always go 3, 2, 1, switch off. Never going forward, say, 16, 17, 18, 19, 1, switch off. And when watching the televison, I always have the volume on an even number, never an odd one. For example, I will always have it on 8, 10, 12, 14, etc. on the volume control, and never on an odd number like 5, 7, 9. Then when switching off the television, after reseting it to channel 1, I always make sure it is turned off with the volume set to 10.

These are just a couple of examples of the things I feel almost compelled to do. I like things in order, in their place. Other people can't seem to understand why I get so upset when I say to them "Why didn't you switch the television off on channel 1?" or "Why did you open this carton of milk that's in the middle of the queue first? The one on the far right on the shelf is the one you're supposed to open!" It doesn't really effect my life all that much, I think, apart from these "little things", as others seem to call them, but which are quite important to me. I'm not one of these people who have to switch the light on and off 20 times exactly before leaving a room or wash their hands 200 times a day or anything. It was just when I was watching an episode of "Scrubs" recently that had Michael J. Fox in it playing an O.C.D. suffering doctor that made me start to think about myself and my own little "obsessions and compulsions", so to speak.

So, does it sound like I have O.C.D. to you?

BuffyBot

I am not a doctor, and this isn't a medical forum, but your behaviour isn't in line with the larger portion of the general public. You've noticed this yourself, so you must feel something is up or you would not have posted.

My advice is simple - look into talking to someone qualified to give advice. If you've got a good GP, talk to them.

fitz

This isn't necessarily ODC, it could be a number of other conditions, and the only person who can tell you definitively is a someone qualified.

Go to your GP, they should be able to help or recommend someone.
Any response you get here which either affirms or denies that you have ODC based on the info you gave is merely speculation.

Beruthiel

Originally posted by fitz
Any response you get here which either affirms or denies that you have ODC based on the info you gave is merely speculation.

agreed
there are no professionals in this forum,
you need to speak to someone who knows what they're talking about

BrianD3

It doesn't really effect my life all that much, I think, apart from these "little things", as others seem to call them, but which are quite important to me.

That's the key. If your behaviour doesn't have a detrimental effect on your life and you are relatively happy then it's not OCD. Everyone has little obsessions and quirks - only when these start to impinge on normal living is it called OCD.

For example, hoarding is a common characteristic of OCD. Let's say someone likes to collect and keep interesting newspaper articles - that is not OCD. On the other hand, hoarding newspapers because you can't bear to throw them out and collecting so many that you can barely move in your house and leave the house a serious fire risk - that would be OCD.

BrianD3

koneko

Brian is right, everyone has little compulsions or obsessions like things have to be face up (like CDs or coins), or having things a certain way in the fridge.

If it impacts on your life in a negative way and stops you functioning normally then you have a problem. Having a few things you like a certain way doesn't mean you need medication. If you're concerned, talk to a doctor, but it doesn't sound like you have a prob (and I had OCD friends, trust me you could be a lot lot worse).

seamus

I won't repeat what others have said, they're all spot on.

The fact that you get upset (and probably shouting/getting in a huff with others) seems to be what is bothering you most about it. I know my gf's mother and a few other people I know would be quite similar in that if things aren't done the way they like (even though it's not necessarily the right way to do it), they get upset and angry with others.
The people I know who are like this are all constantly wound up, and constantly stressed people. Everything is a big deal. They get upset and angry over small, inconsequential things. I would advise discussing it with a doctor, thinking about doing relaxation therapy, etc etc.

Of course, I'm not even remotely qualified to say what you should and shouldn't do. If it upsets you that you get upset at others over little things, go discuss it with your doctor.

ThreadKiller

Although the others here have given good advice, it's not a GP you require, it's a psychologist. But ONLY if you let it go any further.

You do sound like you have OCD. You should now do things to combat it.

I've been like this for several years now. I call myself a freak.

If I stub my left big toe on the bed, I have to stub my right big toe - I'm a freak.
If I step on a crack in the pavement with my right foot I have to step on one with my right - I'm a freak.
I have to have all my CDs neatly arranged - I'm a freak.
I have to have all my short sleeve shirts on one rail (colour sorted) - I'm a freak.
I have to have all my long sleeve shirts on another rail (colour sorted) - I'm a freak.
If I mow the lawn, I have to have exact stripes in it, otherwise none at all - I'm a freak.
Setting the house alarm at night I enter the code then have to tap the keypad twice in the same spot - I'm a freak.

Welcome to my world. Believe me the only person that can help you is you. Take a first step over the weekend. When you're putting milk in the fridge, don't look at it as you put it in & close the door immediately. Resist the temptation to check it. Do this for a week & let me know how you get on.

Good luck

Gordon

You know, I actually imagined someone posting this thread up last night as I was thinking about it also.

I'm no psychiatrist or doctor as above but my thoughts on it last night were that it is due to the part of the brain that deals with the little niggly things - like which side to pass someone when overtaking them on the pavement, and which milk to choose in the dairy section - are more active than the other part of the brain that deals with more complex matters in your life.

Therefore, either you have no complex matters in your life (which is a good thing sometimes) or you aren't dealing with the complex matters in your life that need dealt with.

Therefore I suggest that you try to define what is important to you and start to travel in that direction.

Or not, I dunno.
Why not see someone about it as we here on PI are not informed to give you our analysis: only our experiences of it.

Good luck.

qwertyphobia

Get a referral from a gp and get an assestment.

The outlook for OCD is very good with cognitive behaviourly therapy CBT. But like most illness treatment is better a with early intervention, so get yourself checked out soon rather then later.

LegacyUser

Thanks so much for all your replies. You're right, I suppose this is probably more an issue for a GP or someone but thanks for reading my post and responding anyway with your opinions. As I said in the original post, I was just really looking for some of your opinions on all of this and hoping maybe somebody who happened to suffer from O.C.D. might post so I could hear about their particular experience.

As I said, it's not something which is the bane of my life or anything, just "quirks" of mine, I suppose, as someone else said. I do get a bit annoyed the odd time about something and will say to another member of the house something like, "Jaysus, could you not put the tomato sauce back on the proper shelf in the press?", but I don't go off on a major rampage about it (well, not often! ).

So, I don't think it's quite a huge issue with me...... yet! But, if it does ever become that way, I will certainly think about seeing someone about it.

Once again, thanks for all your replies. As Bob Hoskins used to say on the old British Telecom ads......

"It's good to talk!"

Cheers folks!

Memnoch

this isn't really OCD
in order to qualify as OCD the compulsion has to be distressing time-consuming and also interfering with your life.

You definately have some TRAITS, but this is more Obsessive Personality Disorder or also known as Anakastic Personality Disorder. Which is defined by rigidity of thinking, perfectionism, orderliness, moralistic preoccupation with rules, excessive cleanliness.

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy might help you if you feel this these obsessional traits have an over all negative influence in your life. Pls don't waste your money on something as retarded as "hypnotherapy" though.

You may also be perfectionist if you fall into this category as a result you may be failing to achieve your potential in acedemics and work due to setting your goals to high and unrealistically.

But in answer to your question, i Don't think you quite meet the criteria for OCD.

*Disclaimer - this is advice from a student, i'm not a doctor yet :P

edit - just to add even though i'm pretty sure its not OCD, if you think about it and FEEL that you may be affected by this "perfectionism" (as outlined above) then it might be worthwhile seeking help anyways.

Falkorre

I agree with Fitz, you are not going to find a definitive answer here.
Your GP can arrange a consult with an appropriate specialist.

Just on what Memnoch said tho'
he said.... "in order to qualify as OCD the compulsion has to be distressing time-consuming and also interfering with your life.

This is not strictly true, you can be a "Functioning obsessive" just as easilly as somone can be a functioning alchoholic etc. What may not be hugely problematic can become so. It may not mean much to you, but it may mean a lot to the people you get angry at whenever they break your rules.

So, maybe it is worth looking into, if for no other reason than for the sake of keeping your friends and familly from breaking your neck?

B

Memnoch

falk - yes good point,
what I mentioned is the textbook definition of OCD,
those are basically the criteria you need to meet in order to be DIAGNOSED as OCD, but not meeting those critera doesn't necessarily mean you shouldn't seek help for problems if you feel they affect your life significantly enough.

but nevertheless, unless you meet those criteria you cannot be said to be suffering with OCD, this is an important distinction to be made especially with regards to the stigma associated in society with psychiatric illness.

sure ppl with OCD can be "functioning" but the definition doesn't state they can't "function" though this may be the case quite often.

Basically its all about "degrees".

taking the alcoholism example, the safe limit for alcohol is 21 units per week for men, and 14 for women thats roughly 10 and a half pints a week.

But i don't think most people who drink that much here would be considered "alcoholics". Off course if they were doing this in say India where I come from, they would definately be considered alcoholics

red_ice

Im sorry, but i had to laugh at your thread (although it may be effecting you emotionally im sorry for this).

All of the things you said there are most definitly OCD.

EVERYONE has it, so dont be ashamed!! They might not have it on such a large scale as you, but they have it.

For example:

Personal preference = mild OCD.

Superstition = OCD.

In my studies for my Leaving cert in art, i focused on the impressionists and alot of abstract work. I also delved into psychological work within art (for extra points ;p) I came across this..

Its a known fact, that 90% of artists like perfection... if a lines not right in a painting, they erase it and try again... and they keep at it untill its right...

Can you see what im getting at? like the milk cartons, if they are not right, you have to fix em.

Now, the reason i laughed, is becasue i love hearing about other peoples OCD, i find it hillarious, becasue they all have a pattern along the same lines.

Myself and yourself sitting in a car listening to the radio would eat eachother up mate

I only allow my radio to be on 0,5,10, 15, 20, 25 and 30. My girlfriend puts it onto 13 all the time just to annoy me (as a joke)

I play a computer game called counterstrike all the time, and when i switch between guns i have to do it fast 7 times. I have to shoot off 1 bullet from a pistol at the start of every round, and when i throw a grenade, i have to take out my knife..

If something is near my mousematt when im playing - lets say a lighter... i have to swipe my hand and push the lighter into the other neat stuff on my desk, otherwise i FREAK out! Then i have to get everything right on my desk! its a nightmare!

Also, if im itchy on my right arm, i have to scratch my left.

Now, take the last one into consideration - thats superstition, but its OCD too.

Everyone has it in some form, they just are not as self concious as yourself or myself.

There are very good points being made. Id take note of gordons 'serious matters' post, because he might be onto something there.

Hope thats some weight off your chest... i think with the way ive worded it, ill be banned!

*reddy puts the radio on 5 and laughs*

muahah

Victor

To the original poster, no I don't think you have OCD (certainly not in the clinical sense). I display certain OCD characteristics as does everyone. My books are sorted by subject then by size, simply because I find a staggered line of books, well, not pleasing to the eye. I sort my coins from largest to smallest (by size). I must pay / receive the correct amount. If I have a large amount of money (like say a till in a shop), I must check to make sure all the denominations are separate (this is moderately useful, stops you giving out in change a blue coloured €20 when you meant to give aout a blue coloured €5).

I will spend too much time do a certain task to the detriment of other, sometimes more important ones. And I think this is where the crunch is. Do you find yourself wasting excessive amounts of time on detail? Do you get emotional when you cannot perform to your desired level of order? If so, it might be an idea to see a GP.

Originally posted by red_ice
I have to shoot off 1 bullet from a pistol at the start of every round

But, man, you have to test fire, what if the gun jammed in the middle of a fire fight?

red_ice

i have to fire it a certain way

Third_Echelon

i would also have some of the traits mentioned by people above... they are quirks more than anything else.... I know i dont have OCD but there are certain things i have to do in a certain way or order for example..

as mentioned before:

* The TV and stereo volume thing.. it has to be on an even number or the middle 5 figure, i.e. 15, 25 etc... can't be any other odd number...

* CD's, DVD's have to be neat and tidy and in a certain order... anyone fooking with that system gets an earful... especially if they leave the disc out of the box... ahhh

* Constantly checking that my wallet, phone, keys are in my pocket... i got pickpocketed before, so maybe that is why?.. also checking stuff is in my bag repeatedly, e.g. my work id, any random item of importance.

* If something is near the edge of a table, I have to put it back.. my flat mates were b@st@rds for this... they new it p1ssed me off and they always put a coke bottle that was open near the edge of the table to see what i'd do... sadistic b@st@rds...

* Checking that the door is locked repeatedly... its looked... maybe its not!!! ahhh!!

there are some other things like that i do, but i never affects my daily life in any way or affects my ability to interact with people... i guess we all have our little things that make us what we are...

Trojan

I know a few people with it, some of them very well. I wanted to make a point about something you mentioned:

I do get a bit annoyed the odd time about something and will say to another member of the house something like, "Jaysus, could you not put the tomato sauce back on the proper shelf in the press?", but I don't go off on a major rampage about it (well, not often!)

It's fair enough that occasionally you have a once off getting annoyed thing. Don't do it regularly, because it's not the other persons problem if they put the placemats at 89.7 degree angle to the worktop edge instead of 90 and it irritates you.

If you start complaining about minor things like that constantly, then I, and those like me, will start moving every single item in the house, including turning every milk carton, jar and package in every cupboard. It's just as irritating for us to deal with a constantly moaning OC person as it is for the OC person to deal with crookedly hung pictures.

Of course I'm speaking from my personal experience dealing with some really annoying OC people who I'm not particularly fond of. It may not be relevant to you (hopefully not)

seamus

Originally posted by Trojan
It's fair enough that occasionally you have a once off getting annoyed thing. Don't do it regularly, because it's not the other persons problem if they put the placemats at 89.7 degree angle to the worktop edge instead of 90 and it irritates you.

If you start complaining about minor things like that constantly, then I, and those like me, will start moving every single item in the house, including turning every milk carton, jar and package in every cupboard. It's just as irritating for us to deal with a constantly moaning OC person as it is for the OC person to deal with crookedly hung pictures.

Of course I'm speaking from my personal experience dealing with some really annoying OC people who I'm not particularly fond of. It may not be relevant to you (hopefully not)

I don't know many/any OCD suffers, but I'd be the same Troj. The more someone gives out to me or nags about something completely frivolous and unimportant, the more I'll go out of my way to make sure I keep doing it.

It's not intentional, it's like a reflex OCD.

Trojan

Yeah seamus, I find it really irritating. Particularly when you're sitting down relaxing with a group of friends, having a few beers, when every 3 minutes the beer cans are being rearranged, the table straightened, if an ashtray has 4 flicks of ash in it, it's picked up and cleaned... major annoyance, and also that "I'm cleaning up so you should feel guilty" buzz too. Pisses me off no end

OCD sufferers: you annoy us that much, remember that we can make life living hell for you if we feel it's justified

GuanYin

OCD is a term that refers to a rather unique clinical condition.

Like most neurological disorders (alzheimers, schizophrenia etc) its recently started being used colloquially to describe people with strong personality traits.

Now people who have slightly paranoid, neurotic or just plain quirky traits are heading to speacialists asking to be analysed etc etc.

Personally, if you had OCD, I don't think you would be the type of person to post this message, how and ever, if you really want to be comforted about it, go to your GP.

Myksyk

Personally, if you had OCD, I don't think you would be the type of person to post this message,

Puzzled ... why?

Victor

Originally posted by Myksyk
Puzzled ... why?

Because most people suffering mental illnesses don't actually realise they are suffering from that particular condition. They may suspect something is wrong, but self-diagnonsis is often poor. I think it's largely down to people becoming aware of one particular thing and then focusing on it, not out of "need", but simply because it is something they have noticed before (and this feeds on itself).

As I said "Do you find yourself wasting excessive amounts of time on detail? Do you get emotional when you cannot perform to your desired level of order?" this is the problem where you might have a problem. Simply thinking you do something odd isn't enough.

GuanYin

Originally posted by Myksyk
Puzzled ... why?

Well I'd say more because they idea of such an open expression would be quite alien to OCD sufferers. Basically OCD is about routine. The need for routine, not neatness.

Open expression to so many ideas and questioning their obsessive need for routine is not something an OCD suffere can do. They tend to try either accept it or slowly ween off it.

Myksyk

Sorry guys but you're wrong.

Firstly, OCD is not about routine. It is about the development of compulsive behaviour patterns (compulsions) to negate the anxiety caused by intrusive and unwanted cognitions (obsessions) which most often centre around the theme of responsibility for harm. For example, I HAVE to wash my hands because I might pass on an infection to my child...I HAVE to check the cooker because if anything happened it would be my fault...etc.

OCD sufferers are more than capable of open expression and questioning of their condition. Often they know that there concerns and behaviours are excessive (they are not delusional). The pattern of intrusions and behavioural attempts to deal with the resultant anxiety can often be at odds with the person's general personality. A person can have OCD and be a slob you know ... the obssesions and compulsions can be quite specific to a very particular area of life and need not reflect any more general need for routine.

I think, that despite clarification earlier on in this thread, people are mixing up OCD and OCPD (Obssessive Compulaive Personality Disorder) which does indeed indicate a more broadly based need for symmetry and order ... a kind of 'a place for everything and everything in its place' characteristic. This naturally occurs on a continuum and would only be considered a 'disorder' if it significantly interferes with one's social and/or vocational life. A lot of people like to do things in very particular ways and can feel distinctly uncomfortable if forced to divert from the chosen route. It may seem a little odd to the person but often their anxiety is a secondary concern about what others would think rather than anything intrinsic to the trait itself.

Beruthiel

Originally posted by Myksyk
Sorry guys but you're wrong.

can you tell me Myksyk if you are a qualified doctor?
B

GuanYin

Originally posted by Myksyk
of life and need not reflect any more general need for routine.

OCD is an anxiety disorder that has to do with being preoccupied with the particular obsession or compulsion (ie. routine), while OCPD is personality disorder that is associeted to drive for perfection that show itself on many things (order).

The two of them bear little resemblence barring name and the original post wouldn't seem to indicate OCD while it may tend towards a personality disorder.

Myksyk

can you tell me Myksyk if you are a qualified doctor?

I'm a clinical psychologist. Prior to my current job I worked in mental health services for over ten years with a special interest in anxiety disorders and OCD in particular.

OCD is an anxiety disorder that has to do with being preoccupied with the particular obsession or compulsion (ie. routine),

I think this isn't a great way of characterising it syke. Compulsive behaviours may be routine but they don't have to be. Some peope's compulsive behaviours are chaotic in a sense as they are a response to an intrusive obsession which can occur at any time ... often at unknown and unpredictable times.

Obsessions are 'triggered'; they rely on external cues to bring them to mind. For example, a woman unexpectedly sees a knife in a shop which triggers an intrusive cognition about harming her newly born child (actual case), she then has to engage in a compulsion (an anxiety-reducing behaviour) the nature of which is variable and dependent on the individual.

The two of them bear little resemblence barring name and the original post wouldn't seem to indicate OCD

I think the original poster should not rely too much on anything said here apart from viewing it as general opinion based on very little information.

GuanYin

Your probably right, I would still be surprised if an OCD sufferer self diagnosed themselves, logged onto a PC and put himself forward to be judged by a community, that is at best, chaotic.

That said, I'm going by what I learned in college and the few sufferers I've encountered but I'd have nowhere near your experience in the matter.

That said, one of the main reasons I'd be skeptical is that in OCD, don't alot of the sufferers have a phase of denial? That is, they see what they are doing as normal or almost unconcious. Its only when they undergo therapy that they would be aware of their condition?

Stark

Certain bits of your post don't sound too bad. For example I'm the same in some respects, eg: I can't stand widescreen tvs because it drives me nuts trying to display a 4:3 in a reasonable fashion. Similarly with the milk, opening a carton of milk that has a later best before date than another carton is just plain illogical and you'll end up throwing milk out.

Other things like the volume control sound a bit more worrying. Especially if you try and leave it on an odd volume and you get totally upset and just have to go back and change it to an even volume. You might be able to get out of this pattern of behaviour through practice - "out of sight, out of mind - eventually".

If you're having major problems, visit your GP. Be wary though, it's not a condition many GPs recognise well. Many will just give you anti-depressants to raise your serotonin level which isn't getting to the root of the problem. Ask for a cortisol test, high cortisol levels are root of many anxiety disorders. If your cortisol is high you can control it through supplements such as ginseng and licorice root (not the DGL variety) or through meditation. In fact, meditation would be good for you to do anyway, get practiced in emptying your mind of compulsions and just relaxing.