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Such a long time since I’ve blogged – it’s good to be back!
I’ve been compiling some information and resources on OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) recently. Thought it might be of use to some members and visitors on Wired In.
OCD may have some superficially similar features to those of addiction, in that the sufferers find it difficult to resist certain impulses, compulsions and obsessive thoughts, but there are distinct differences.
However, people suffering with OCD may find themselves substance dependent if they use drugs (illegal or prescribed) or alcohol as a coping strategy for the distress and anxiety caused by obsessions and compulsions.
Working with some OCD clients recently it strikes me how much people suffer needlessly, often for years (some statistics say that on average it takes 17 years to get appropriate treatment), largely because they are not aware that the repeated obsessive thoughts or/and compulsions, which are distressing, often time-consuming and highly disruptive to their life, are symptoms of OCD.
Many GPs and other health professionals have little, if any, understanding of OCD, and even when people do ask for help they often misdiagnosed and do not get appropriate treatment.
Some of the questions to ask yourself if you think you may have OCD:
If you answer “yes” to two or more of these questions, it may be a good idea to see your GP (as not all doctors are familiar with OCD, you could take some information to them – a few of the sites listed below have downloadable leaflets for GPs as well as the general public).
Anyway, I hope that some of these resources may help people to recognise the symptoms and get help sooner; some of these sites offer self-help materials as well.
OCD-UK
http://www.ocduk.org
PO Box 8955, Nottingham NG10 9AU
Stuck in a Doorway – Online OCD Forum
http://www.stuckinadoorway.org/
OCD Action
http://www.ocdaction.org.uk
OCD Action have an excellent leaflet for GPs which you can take to your doctor if you suspect you have OCD
Anxiety UK
http://www.anxietyuk.org.uk
Zion Community Resource Centre, 339 Stretford Road, Manchester M15 4ZY
OCD in Children and Adolescents
http://psychology.iop.kcl.ac.uk/ocdkids
The Royal College of Psychiatrists’ Leaflet on OCD: http://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/mentalhealt…edisorder.aspx
Understanding OCD (US)
http://understanding_ocd.tripod.com
Treat It, Don’t Repeat It: Break Free from OCD (US)
http://www.treatocd.org
OCD Foundation (US)
www.ocdfoundation.org
Would you agree OCD is prevalent amongst recovering addicts, i have found a comparison with the extreem behaviours applied in addiction are often transfered to a recoverees life, i and others i know display OCD symptoms especially around hygene, for me some of these symptoms were cultivated in re-hab, maybe it’s about an irrational concept of control, maybe i’m washing away the filth of the past. For me if it is OCD thats OK for my choice of behaviours now keep me in recovery even if they can be a little time consuming, so certain sides of OCD can be positive although i’m glad i’m to lazy to take this reassuring habit to the extreem
Thanks for this Masha, the resources are helpful and I will be passing the info on when needed. Talk soon, Sar
Hi Marsha,
I recently attended the Buddhist Recovery Network’s first conference in Los Angeles. One of the breakout sessions during the conference was called UNCERTAINTY AND MINDFULNESS: LESSONS FROM OCD and was presented by Jeff Bell (author of “Rewind, Replay, Repeat” and “When in Doubt, Make Belief: Life Lessons from OCD”).
I actually attended a different breakout session but my wife (craniosacral therapist and counsellor) thought Jeff Bell’s presentation and first-hand experience of using mindfulness based strategies to transform his life very enlightening.
Both of Jeff’s books come highly recommended.
Best wishes,
Vince
Thanks for the comments everyone – Vince, the books you recommend sound really useful!
Tony, I’m not sure how prevalent OCD is among people in recovery, I haven’t seen any statistics but from my observations OCD is often a coping strategy in itself and/or a reflection of other issues in the person’s life, just like a substance addiction can be.
I am guessing that if an individual in recovery does not work through some of the underlying issues behind their addiction (for example, perfectionism, feeling unsafe, not being able to trust others or themselves etc), they may emerge later in form of an obsession, compulsion or both. Does this make sense?
Best wishes
Masha
Yes unfortunatly it makes brutal sense, i think i’ve got some personal work to do and probably will have till i die, still once this would have been enough to self sabotage with, i was particularly good at sabotage, now it’s an interesting voyage of self discovery, how we percieve things is so important i’ve found, thanks for reply
