Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is classified as a psychiatric disorder and type of mental health disorder. It involves the individual having compulsions to do particular routines and can experience varying degrees of anxiety if that routine is altered in any way. Since we all know life have many variables you can imagine how difficult this can be.
Most of us have some small compulsions we have to live with. One of mine is that all the draws and cabinets have to be closed all the way. I can sit down to watch TV and see one open and it drives me crazy. For someone with OCD these types of issues lead to anxiety that affects their relationships and their ability to maintain employment.
A very good movie about the issues of OCD and how it affects a person’s life is As Good as it Gets with Jack Nicholson and Helen Hunt. Nicholson’s character struggles to overcome OCD so he can have a relationship with Hunt’s character. While the movie is a comedy it does have some very good points to make about the disorder.
Most people don’t take the issue of OCD seriously because those who have it obsess about things that are trivial such as how their utensils are laid out on the table for a meal. Yet to that person it is a big deal. This can make the person seem very bossy and over barring as they demand for the situation to be resolved.
Living with someone who suffers from OCD can be very trying. Their whole day can end up being very confused and agitated if things are not in order for them. Children with OCD can find life to be very difficult as their parents, teachers, siblings, and classmates aren’t willing to make such sacrifices on their behalf.
There are various types of treatment to assist with OCD including medication and therapy. The treatment that is used for the individual depends on how severe their OCD is and if there are other mental health issues attached to it as well such as depression. Not everyone responds well to the medications used for OCD. Do to the complicated nature of OCD many people don’t understand it and those who have it find themselves living a lonely existence.
