OCD

Many of us think of ourselves or our friends and family accuse us of being OCD.  This ritual behaviours can range from being mild like wanting to live in a clean and tidy environment to people not going out because they are feeling compelled to do various household tasks.  The people who are at this milder end of the spectrum can be described as suffering from obsessive compulsive traits and not the full blown disorder.  Other people suffer from more extreme forms of this disorder and wash their hands dozens of times a day and live in a world of restricting their lives by being afraid of germs.

These behaviours can be treated successfully with cognitive behaviour therapy.

This weeks Horizon programme on the BBC was a brilliant insight into the world of people with extreme OCD which is totally ruining their lives.  It was well presented, balanced and must have given hope for so many sufferers.

I am also interested in the affect that this anxiety disorder has on the sufferers relationships with others.  Parent, partners, siblings, family members and friends are all affected by someone who is experiencing this disorder.  These people are often suffering alone and need the support of others to cope with their lives as they love and live with someone suffering from OCD.