The Aviator Obsessive Compulsive Disorder OCD Characterized by
The Aviator
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder OCD • Characterized by unwanted, repetitive, thoughts and actions
Two Major Symptoms
Obsessions • – repetitive thoughts you can’t get out of your head
Compulsions/Rituals • – repetitive actions you must engage in to attempt to get rid of the obsessions
A good thing? • Obsessive-compulsive tendencies are not necessarily a bad thing and can even be helpful
• For example, good athletes are obsessed with practicing and good students are obsessed with studying – both can have very positive results (winning and doing well in school)
When does it become a problem? • However, obsessions can take control of some people and this is when it becomes OCD
• It becomes a problem when it causes you unnecessary anxiety and begins to interfere with your daily life/routines
Common Obsessions • Fear of germs and contamination • Fear of something terrible happening (fire, death, etc. )
• Symmetry, order, or exactness (bothers you very much if things aren’t exactly as you feel they should be) • Constant Doubts – “Did I lock the door, turn off the stove, etc. ”
Common Compulsions • Excessive hand washing, bathing, tooth brushing, or grooming
• Repeating rituals (in/out of a door, up/down from a chair, etc. ) • “Checking and rechecking” – doors, locks, appliances, car brake, homework – may have to check something 10 or more times
A Daily Disruption • Some OCD patterns can lead to rituals that take hours • May take hours to shower and dress each morning because of hundreds of required steps that must be precisely followed
Is there any help? • OCD is very treatable with medication and/or therapy
• Unfortunately many feel too embarrassed and don’t seek treatment • Those who do not may live stuck with their obsessive thoughts and behaviors for years and suffer unnecessarily
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