Over the years I developed a need to repeatedly wash my hands, I had constant irrational fears of harm, I would have intrusive hypochondriac thoughts and many other obsessive thoughts. I was obsessed by dirt and contamination or fatal diseases that I could catch. I could no longer go out in public. I was crippled by my own thoughts.
I reached breaking point and attempted to understand my behavior but failed to pin point the exact condition. Until last year when I came across a book called, "OCD and The True Story of a Life Lost in Thought" by David Adam. In the book the author describes in detail the strange thoughts he was having and how he was driven towards obsessions and compulsions. He understood me!
OCD? I always thought Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder was a fancy term for a superstitious perfectionist who kept their items tidy, conducted unusual daily routines and spotlessly cleaned the house. That type of behavior falls under the medical term: Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD).
OCPD is often confused with OCD. They are two distinct disorders- OCD is an anxiety disorder and OCPD is a personality disorder.
Obsessive–compulsive personality disorder (OCPD), also called anankastic personality disorder, is a personality disorder characterized by a general pattern of concern with orderliness, perfectionism, excessive attention to details, mental and interpersonal control, and a need for control over one's environment, at the expense of flexibility, openness, and efficiency. (source: Wikipedia)
Obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental disorder where people feel the need to check things repeatedly, have certain thoughts repeatedly, or feel they need to perform certain routines repeatedly. (source: Wikipedia)
People with OCD frequently perform tasks, or compulsions, to seek relief from obsession-related anxiety. I was slowly connecting the dots. Anxiety. OCD is linked to anxiety. This was the first step to my road of recovery and my quest began. I delved into books and even spoke to a therapist.
Over the next few days & weeks I will discuss this subject in detail and also include my personal journey.
Until next time!
Lots of love,
Sarah Ghanam
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