To start off, let me answer some general OCD questions.

Q:

What exactly is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?

                                                      -Linda

A:

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is an anxiety-related disorder that is commonly linked to Autism.  When someone has OCD, their brain creates various unreasonable compulsions (rituals), souch as obsessive thoughts, obsessive touching, obsessive talking, etc.  This is believed to be caused by a defect in the neurotransmitter serotonin, causing serotonin the inability to perform at its highest level.

 

Q:

How do I know if my child has OCD?

                                           -Carrie S.           

A:

The most common symptoms of OCD include obsessive or irrational thoughts, and any obsessive behavior that causes distress/depression.  Anxiety also plays a big part.  When triggered by anxiety, the mind becomes obsessive as a way of coping with the distress.

 

Q:

What are some ways of dealing with OCD?

                                                       -Craig

A:

Distracting the mind and body is the best way to cope with OCD.  This includes doing something that you really enjoy, or performing a physical activity such as walking, jogging, working out, etc.  For some people, occupying their hands (ex. playing with a ball) and/or occupying their mouth (ex. chewing gum), is a great way to calm down and relax.  Also, try to get as much sun as possible. 

 

Q:

 Is OCD curable?

                    -Shasha P.

A:

Not exactly.  Various medications such as SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), may help reduce the symptoms of OCD, but will not cure the disorder.  Fighting away the unwanted obsessions and compulsions will, overtime, strengthen your mind, making it easier and easier to defeat these symptoms.

 

FIRST-PERSON INSIGHT PART I

Here is my experience on living with OCD...

OCD is a very difficult and bothersome disorder.  Several years ago, OCD completely controlled my life.  It seemed that the only way to fight it by myself was to counter-attack.  Everytime I had in urge to perform a ritual (which was literally every three seconds), I would counter-attack.  I did this by literally talking back to my "intrusive" thoughts.  Even though I was very depressed, and had little motivation, I would tell them that I am stronger than them, and that I would not, by any means, let them intrude and control my life.

I would become completely exhausted everytime I defended myself against the OCD.  However, I knew that if I could just hang in there a little longer, I would defeat my OCD from controlling me.

This accomplishment did not cure my OCD, but gave me the ability to control it.  I felt much more powerful, and soon the exhaustion was gone.  It was probably my greatest accomplishment.

 

FAMOUS PEOPLE LIVING WITH OCD

• Howie Mandel - Famous comedian. Is the host of Deal or No Deal.
• Donald Trump - Multi-Billionaire. One of the most successful entrepreneurs ever.
• Charlie Sheen - Famous actor/comedian
• Leonardo DiCaprio - Renowned actor.  His movies include Titanic, The Aviator, and Blood Diamond.
• David Beckham - Famous soccer player
• Albert Einstein - Founded Theory of Relativity. 
• Michael Jackson - One of the most famous muscians ever.
• Cameron Diaz - Famous actress.  Starred in such movies as Charlie's Angels and Shrek.
• Billy Bob Thornton - Actor
• Dan Ackroyd - Renowned actor and comedian.
• Howard Hughes  -  Richest man in the world during the late 1950's.

DISORDERS ASSOCIATED WITH OCD

There are a vast amount of disorders that are related to OCD.  Below are some of the most common.

(Not Listed in Order)

• NAIL BITING - OBSSESSIVE BITING/PICKING OF THE NAILS.
• SKIN PICKING - OBSSESSIVE SKIN PICKING, USUALLY AROUND THE NAILS.
• TRICHOTILLOMANIA (TTM) - IMPULSIVE URGE TO PULL OUT HAIR.
• TOURETTE SYNDROME - COMMON SYMPTOMS INLUDE PHYSICAL AND VERBAL TICS.
• BODY DYSMORPHIC DISORDER (BDD) - DISTORTED IMAGE OF ONE'S OWN BODY.
• SOCIAL ANXIETY - FEAR OF BIG CROWDS, COMMUNICATING WITH UNKNOWN PEOPLE, ETC.

FIRST-PERSON INSIGHT PART II

OCD SIDE EFFECT: ANXIETY

In my life, anxiety has played a big role.  It has prevented me from doing the things that I enjoy.  It has also prevented me from making relationships.  A couple years back, my coping method for anxiety would be OCD.  My mind would play tricks on me all the time.  It told me that when I become anxious, performing my OCD rituals would help me calm down.  Over the years, I discovered that OCD would not help my anxiety, it would just hide it inside of me. 

This became a huge problem, because my OCD would start controlling my anxiety.  I would perform my rituals, thinking this would help my anxiety.  However, the more rituals I would perform, the more anxiety would build up inside of me.  Try not to make this mistake.  Tell yourself that there are much more effective ways than OCD to deal with your anxiety.