Terminology: OCD
= Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. The word “Disorder” can be a
powerful negative suggestion for the sufferer of this condition, and
may cause the person to obsess about having OCD. For this reason the
author uses the terminology “Obsessive Compulsive Behaviour”, to
emphasise that the condition can be corrected.
Obsession
= CAN'T STOP THINKING ABOUT IT
Compulsion
= HAVE TO DO IT
Obsessive
compulsive behaviour is characterised by the experience of
uncontrollable and intrusive thoughts which are disturbing and
repetitive. In an attempt to dislodge the disturbing thought, the
individual performs certain actions or tasks compulsively,
repeatedly, and with a high level of intensity.
Compulsive
behaviour may take on the appearance of rituals, since the number of
repetitions and the thoroughness with which the task is performed has
no practical value, but is performed as a way of liberating the
person from his or her troubling thoughts. This behaviour is
time-consuming and frustrating to the individual, and at best
provides only momentary relief from the unpleasant thoughts.
Associated
Behaviour
- Anxiety results from the stress of having to stay busy to avoid negative thinking
- Cigarette smoking is a frequent “self-medication” trait because of the immediate calming effect of tobacco smoke, but in the long term smoking aggravates anxiety because of the adrenaline that the body releases to metabolise the toxins from the cigarette.
- Low appetite due to anxiety causes insufficient nutrition, low blood sugar, and increased adrenaline, which then raises the anxiety level
- Insomnia results from high adrenaline levels
Obsessive
compulsive individuals are usually highly intelligent, and if they
learn to manage their condition, they are high achievers in life. One
has only to Google, to find a list of “OCD Celebrities”, amongst
whom are David Beckham, Priyanka Chopra, Leonardo Dicaprio, Jessica
Alba, Justin Timberlake, and Donald Trump.
Hormonal
Characteristics - Body Chemistry
Neurochemically,
obsessive compulsive behaviour is characterised by dopaminergic
hyperfunction in the prefrontal cortex, and serotonergic hypofunction
in the basal ganglia.
In
simple English: dopamine, the hormone that makes you feel
rewarded for getting something right, like winning or succeeding at
something, is in over-supply, and serotonin, the hormone that
makes you feel peaceful and that all is well, is in short supply.
