Issue Date: September 13, 2009
Are you obsessive-compulsive?
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Examples of compulsions:
Washing hands repeatedly
Putting objects in their "proper" place
Making sure objects (doors, appliances) are squared away
Feeling compelled to repeat motions in a certain order
Requiring continual reassurance from others
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Ever since I was a kid, I've put on my left sock, left shoe, right sock, right shoe -- in that order. It feels strange to do it any other way. Most of us have quirky rituals that we follow; that's normal. But some folks have developed repetitive behaviors they feel compelled to perform, even if those actions cause them anguish and embarrassment.
This is the case with obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD, which usually begins during adolescence. For about 70% of sufferers, it's continuous; in others, it waxes and wanes. Some people seem to have a genetic predisposition to it, and the immune system also may play a role.
OCD is defined by the severity of its traits -- how much they permeate a person's thoughts and behaviors and also the negative impact they have on lives. Although not curable, OCD can be treated with medication and counseling. If you have OCD-like traits, talk to your doctor.
Tedd Mitchell, M.D., president and CEO of Dallas' Cooper Clinic, writes HealthSmart every week.
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