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Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
by Darlene Zagata
Are you a perfectionist? Do you get upset if things are not organized at all times? You could be suffering from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. I always thought of myself as a neat person but never obsessive. I didn't realize that I suffered from obsessive compulsive disorder until I married someone more compulsive than myself. I would get tired just watching my husband as he ran around the house trying to keep everything perfect. He was so obsessive that he would wipe off each and every can and line them up in rows after returning from the grocery store. It amazed me at how long it took him to put the food away because everything had to be just right. If I would do the dishes, he would put them back in the sink and wash them over because I didn't do them well enough. At first, I interpreted his behavior as an insult until I realized that he suffered from obsessive compulsive disorder.
When I told our medical doctor about my husband's odd habits, he made the diagnosis almost immediately. He also pointed out that I may suffer from the same condition, when I felt compelled to clean off his cluttered desk during our discussion. It is much easier to spot obsessive behavior in another person rather than yourself. I didn't realize that the small things I did such as emptying and washing an ashtray as soon as someone used it was indicative of such a disorder. I had always liked my home and belongings kept neat and clean ever since I was a child. I didn't realize I had become obsessive. There were other signs such as checking the stove a dozen times to make sure I turned it off, or getting out of bed to be certain I locked the door even after I'd checked it several times previously.
Although I still tend to get upset when the house is out of order, I'm not as bad as I used to be. Once I accepted the fact that I am obsessive compulsive I began to take measures to overcome my obsessiveness. I can now go to bed with a load of laundry undone or a few dishes in the sink without being anxious or tense. Many people who are obsessive compulsive are not aware that they suffer from the disorder. This condition encompasses a wide variety of compulsive behavior that could include anything from repeated hand washing to hoarding things. Obsessive compulsive disorder can begin at any time throughout one's life and although it has not been proven to be hereditary, it does tend to run in families.
Those who are prone to depression may have a tendency to be obsessive compulsive. Although no single factor has been proven to cause this disorder, it can be improved with medication and cognitive behavioral psychotherapy. If you feel that you or someone in your family may have obsessive compulsive disorder, consult your physician. Gather information on this and other related conditions and become informed. One of the first steps in dealing with any condition is to learn about and understand the disorder. Be patient with yourself and with others who are obsessive compulsive. Once you learn about the condition you can then begin taking steps along the road to wellness.
About the Author
Darlene Zagata is a freelance writer and poet. Her work has appeared in several electronic and print publications. Darlene is the Editor of the Health department at RITRO.com and she co-authors a column with her son at RaisingASon.com. She is also a Review Editor for MyShelf.com and an Editorial Reviewer for The Writer's Room Magazine. Her book of poetry "Aftertaste" is now available at Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble. Her first book of fiction, "The Choosing" is currently in the process of publication.
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