Why is OCD considered addiction?

[Blueberry Crumble]

I was just wondering why OCD was labelled under the "addiction" section of the board. OCD is certainly no where near being an addiction- it is a disorder. It should be under the mental health/depression section, IMO.

[Seekrit]

Maybe you should email hilary about this. :)

[Blueberry Crumble]

Yeah, Im not fussed, I was just curious thats all :)

[rynosmum]

I have posted Hilary re this on your behalf.

Thanks for bringing it up!:thumbsup:

[reAllytee]

I noticed this too but hey the fact is i figured its getting it out there !

[bubhub]

It was just a place to put it. I can make a new section for it if there is sufficient discussion on this subject. Otherwise, I can just remove the 'ocd...' from the description bit of this section and viewers can place their thread anywhere in the 'not happy' section.

[Blueberry Crumble]

I wouldnt worry about it :)

[spring]

Whats OCD?

[Blueberry Crumble]

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

[reAllytee]

Whats OCD?


Its called Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.

Here is a run basic run down :


Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a psychiatric disorder most commonly characterized by a subject's obsessive, distressing, intrusive thoughts and related compulsions (tasks or "rituals") which attempt to neutralize the obsessions. Thus it is an anxiety disorder. It is listed by the World Health Organization as one of the top ten most disabling illnesses in terms of lost income and diminished quality of life.

The phrase "obsessive-compulsive" has worked its way into the wider English lexicon, and is often used in an offhand manner to describe someone who is meticulous or absorbed in a cause (see also "anal-retentive"). Such casual references should not be confused with obsessive-compulsive disorder; see clinomorphism. It is also important to distinguish OCD from other types of anxiety, including the routine tension and stress that appear throughout life. A person who shows signs of infatuation or fixation with a subject/object, or displays traits such as perfectionism, does not necessarily have OCD, a specific and well-defined condition.

To be diagnosed with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, one must have either obsessions or compulsions alone, or obsessions and compulsions, according to the DSM-IV-TR diagnostic criteria.

[Blueberry Crumble]

I have OCD, have had it most of my life, and it is the most awful, nightmarish thing ever. I wouldnt wish it on my worst enemy. Thank god for meds

[mum2peanut]

My DH has OCD and has recently started therapy and meds. It's awful how it takes over your life and those around you.

[reAllytee]

ChoccieCake - Im another with the disorder ! I often get more annoyed with those who say they "must have OCD" because they like to clean .... I know its silly but i just people would recognise what it really is !

Im not on meds atm due to being pg & my temper is appalling due to me being so stressed over things. My poo DP is copping the brunt of it & my hands are a mess from washing them so much !


mum2peanut - My cousin also has it & thats what ended his marriage sadly. He was finally diagnosed with it & started meds but she still couldnt cope.

I wish you all the best :hugs:

[mum2peanut]

allyoo- it must be hard you having to come off your meds. My DH also has the handwashing compulsion.
It's amazing how many people you find out have OCD when it comes up. My DH doesn't like anyone to know he has it, he's very self concious about it. I can imagine how it could break up a marriage, it's just so full on all the time. It took me ages to convince DH that he needed to see someone about it. The sad thing is his mum is a psychologist, and 1. she didn't pick up on it, and 2. she brushed him off when he called her for help (she gave him a book to read about it:mad: ), obviously he wasn't expecting couselling from her, but a little support wouldn't have gone astray, she has never asked once since how it's going :banghead:

[Blueberry Crumble]

It is an awful disorder. I will more than likely be on meds for the rest of my life- i was on meds throughout my pregnancy and it was all good. The doctors all said that it would be better that way, and the risks are low.

People often think OCD is all about handwashing, sometimes it is. But the obsessions can be about ANYTHING. Worries just get blown out of proportion and your brain is always in over drive. For the first few months after bubs was born, I could hardly sleep at night because I was soooo scared he would suffocate in his sleep. I would check every 2 minutes to see he was okay- sometimes I literally would go into the room 10 times in a row, and just couldnt stop! I was always thinking up new ways that danger could happen to bubs.

Things are much better now :) But I feel so sorry for anyone who has OCD