Obsessions

OBSESSIONS

What is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

Obsessional behaviour is not a new thing. Famous historical figures such as Charles Darwin, the discoverer of evolution, suffered with this condition. Obsessions are unwanted and seemingly uncontrollable thoughts, mental pictures and urges. Obsessional thoughts are accompanied by worrying feelings and an urge to put things right. Putting things right is usually done by compulsive behaviour. This behaviour is usually something like washing or checking things, and is usually done the same way each time. Once this has happened the person usually feels a short term feeling of relief.

Obsessional thoughts are usually about things that the person finds disgusting or horrible. The more horrible the thought, the more uncomfortable the person usually is.

What Types of OCD are there?

Some of the more common obsessional thoughts and the compulsive behaviours that follow them are as follows:

Obsessional Thought Compulsive Behaviour

Being dirty or infected (e.g. catching AIDS from drinking from someone elses cup). Sterilising everything - ringing the doctor - cleaning mouth and face - checking for signs of AIDS.

Violence (e.g. I will harm my baby). Won't be alone with the baby, hides knives, plastic bags, seeks reassurance.

Death (e.g. Images of dead partner). Tries to keep a picture of the person alive in their head.

Public Embarassment (e.g. I am going to swear loudly in public. Desperately tries to keep control in public

Sex (e.g. I am going to rape). Avoids women, tries to not think about sex

Order (e.g. If I don't tidy my home properly I'll have to do it again). Repeats cleaning for much longer than necessary.

Obsessional Thought	Compulsive Behaviour
Being dirty or infected (e.g. catching AIDS from drinking from someone elses cup).	Sterilising everything - ringing the doctor - cleaning mouth and face - checking for signs of AIDS.
Violence (e.g. I will harm my baby).	Won't be alone with the baby, hides knives, plastic bags, seeks reassurance.
Death (e.g. Images of dead partner).	Tries to keep a picture of the person alive in their head.
Public Embarassment (e.g. I am going to swear loudly in public.	Desperately tries to keep control in public
Sex (e.g. I am going to rape).	Avoids women, tries to not think about sex
Order (e.g. If I don't tidy my home properly I'll have to do it again).	Repeats cleaning for much longer than necessary.

How do People Develop OCD?

No one really knows. Some theories suggest it is an aspect of people's personality from childhood, others that it is a learned, but unhelpful way of coping with worry and stress. Most people agree that it is probably a combination of lots of things.

What Therapies Work?

This is a difficult one to answer as there is considerable controversy over what is effective and what is not, and even potentially dangerous. Obsessional thoughts are notoriously difficult to treat (that is not to say impossible!), and some people advise that Behavioural Therapies are the most effective. However others argue that Psychodynamic Therapies are best. However, some people regard this approach with people suffering with OCD as dangerous, so we suggest you get some more detailed information about the condition and its treatment and make your own minds up.

* RECOMMENDED BOOKS *

If you are interested in going into even more depth, the following book(s), sold by are recommended by us.

Each is followed by a rating for ease of reading (1-3).

1 = Simple and Easy to comprehend.
2 = More Complex, but still a good read.
3 = Very Complex, really for professionals/those studying to degree level.

"Clicking" On a Book will take you to Amazon where if you "Click" on the shopping basket you will be able to buy it.

Kissing Doorknobs (Spencer-Hesser)
Price £2.96 Save £2.03
RATING = 1 A positive account of a young girl with OCD and her family.

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