Articles on Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder - Page 2
OCD is Messy
Since 2008 I have had the privilege of getting to know many people who deal with obsessive-compulsive disorder. We’ve connected through face-to-face meetings, email exchanges, telephone calls, and social...
What If the ‘What Ifs’ Come True?
Most people with obsessive-compulsive disorder typically realize their obsessions and compulsions are irrational and make no sense. There are times, however, that this belief can waver – especially when...
When to Seek Treatment for OCD
Most experts agree that it is time to seek treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder when the illness “interferes with your daily life.” While “interfering” can mean different things to different people,...
Have OCD? You Can Still Keep the Bar High
One of the main reasons I write about my family’s experiences is to get the word out that obsessive-compulsive disorder, no matter how severe, is treatable. Stories of recovery can give...
The Rhyme and Reason of Rituals
Whenever my children travel, I always make sure to tell them to “have a safe trip.” Before my husband goes to sleep at night, he makes it a point to be sure all...
Choosing Exposure Response Prevention Therapy
As I have mentioned in many of my articles, exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy is the front line treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder as recommended by the American Psychological...
Should OCD Be a Family Affair?
When my seventeen-year-old son Dan was first diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder, I wanted details. What was he thinking, how was he feeling, is today better or worse than yesterday?...
Preventive Therapy for OCD?
The postpartum period is sometimes accompanied by anxiety, depression, and even obsessive-compulsive disorder. Studies on preventive therapy for postpartum OCD have shown promising results. What a great idea! Stop OCD in...
Why Don’t I Have OCD?
I was an anxious child. The night before the first day of elementary school each year, I would sleep on top of my already made bed instead of getting...
Is He Really Fine?
My son Dan’s obsessive-compulsive disorder often revolved around his thoughts more than his actions, so we really didn’t know anything was wrong until he told us. It’s not unusual for...
OCD and Doing the Opposite
When my son Dan was struggling with severe OCD, his compulsions were all done “to keep something bad from happening.” In his mind, if he moved from his chair, neglected...
OCD and Ignorance
I’ve been an advocate for OCD awareness since 2006, and from the very beginning I’ve received compliments from people after they hear how I did everything I could to help...
OCD and Messiness
As I’ve frequently lamented, obsessive-compulsive disorder is an often misunderstood and misrepresented illness. Those with the disorder are often portrayed in the media as “neat freaks.” It is true...
Pure Obsessional OCD
When my 17-year-old son Dan told me he had obsessive-compulsive disorder, my first comment was “But you never even wash your hands!” While that statement surely revealed my limited...
Relationship OCD
One thing is definite about obsessive-compulsive disorder. It is creative, with no shortage of themes to latch onto. Typically, OCD will attack the very things the person with the...
