Post by !sarah on Jun 26, 2013 5:23:36 GMT
OCD seems to be a hugely misconceived mental illness. That being said, it’s also played out a lot in the roleplaying community. Under the cut is a guide that will, hopefully, help increase your understanding of the disorder; and, in turn, help you roleplay it realistically.
What is obsessive compulsive disorder?
Obsessive compulsive disorder, more often known as OCD, is an anxiety disorder characterized by intrusive and unreasonable thoughts that cause feelings of general uneasiness, fear, and apprehension; these obsessive thoughts then lead to compulsions, which we’ll cover more thoroughly later on. Most people with OCD have strong urges to do things repeatedly; the image of a person washing their hands over and over again most commonly comes to mind. However, these urges can be a number of different things; flickering the lights on and off, checking locks, counting, tapping, and praying are but a few compulsions that often plague those with OCD. Compulsions, or urges, are usually driven by obsessions. A person obsessed with hygiene and contamination may constantly wash his/her hands, a person obsessed with symmetry may line things up and count, a person obsessed with health may constantly check his/her blood pressure and temperature, and so on and so forth.
What are the subtypes of obsessive compulsive disorder?
What many people don’t know is that there are several different classifications for those with OCD.
When does obsessive compulsive disorder develop?
OCD can develop during any stage of anybody’s life, although most people are diagnosed in their childhood or teenage years. Most people are diagnosed before the age of nineteen.
What is the treatment for obsessive compulsive disorder?
While treatment can vary from person to person, a medication is usually prescribed along with intense behavioral therapy. Medications prescribed are usually SSRIs, or selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors. Hospitalization usually isn’t necessary, but in extreme cases it may be needed. Behavioral therapy, also called exposure and ritual prevention, is exactly what it sounds like. Patients are subject, slowly and methodically, to the things that trigger their compulsions. As they are, they’re taught to tolerate and control their feelings of anxiety. The goal of this therapy is to help patients overcome the anxious feelings they get when they don’t perform a ritual or compulsion of theirs.
How do I play a person with obsessive compulsive disorder?
First off, let things develop! Start off with an anxious, or fearful, feeling. Perhaps a family member has fallen ill, and your character is afraid that they’ll meet an untimely death. It seems completely rational, right? But, slowly, have them begin developing compulsions that go onto being irrational. “If I don’t tap this light switch twenty times before I turn it off, something terrible will happen to my now-ill family member…”
Usually, people with OCD will understand that their compulsions are completely irrational. Decide on what your characters compulsions are going to be, and what obsession is urging them to do it. In other words, what is the ‘reasoning’ behind their compulsion? Don’t skip around and bring things up out of nowhere, but take the time to do things right.
What else should I know about obsessive compulsive disorder?
OCD can be an absolutely crippling illness. In extreme cases, compulsions and rituals may take up hours of a person’s day, interfering greatly with their day-to-day life. OCD affects as much as 3% of the general population. and is massively underestimated by many people.
Disclaimer: Please realize that every case is different! This is just a general guide to obsessive compulsive disorder, and is in no way meant to speak for all those diagnosed with it. My suggestions are just that; suggestions. Whether or not you use them is entirely up to you.
What is obsessive compulsive disorder?
Obsessive compulsive disorder, more often known as OCD, is an anxiety disorder characterized by intrusive and unreasonable thoughts that cause feelings of general uneasiness, fear, and apprehension; these obsessive thoughts then lead to compulsions, which we’ll cover more thoroughly later on. Most people with OCD have strong urges to do things repeatedly; the image of a person washing their hands over and over again most commonly comes to mind. However, these urges can be a number of different things; flickering the lights on and off, checking locks, counting, tapping, and praying are but a few compulsions that often plague those with OCD. Compulsions, or urges, are usually driven by obsessions. A person obsessed with hygiene and contamination may constantly wash his/her hands, a person obsessed with symmetry may line things up and count, a person obsessed with health may constantly check his/her blood pressure and temperature, and so on and so forth.
What are the subtypes of obsessive compulsive disorder?
What many people don’t know is that there are several different classifications for those with OCD.
- Doubters/sinners fear that if things aren’t ‘perfect’ something terrible will happen.
- Washers fear contamination, and usually have compulsions involving cleanliness.
- Checkers constantly check things that they believe can put them, or others, in danger.
- Hoarders are afraid that something bad will happen if they throw something away.
- Arrangers and counters are obsessed with symmetry and certain numbers.
When does obsessive compulsive disorder develop?
OCD can develop during any stage of anybody’s life, although most people are diagnosed in their childhood or teenage years. Most people are diagnosed before the age of nineteen.
What is the treatment for obsessive compulsive disorder?
While treatment can vary from person to person, a medication is usually prescribed along with intense behavioral therapy. Medications prescribed are usually SSRIs, or selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors. Hospitalization usually isn’t necessary, but in extreme cases it may be needed. Behavioral therapy, also called exposure and ritual prevention, is exactly what it sounds like. Patients are subject, slowly and methodically, to the things that trigger their compulsions. As they are, they’re taught to tolerate and control their feelings of anxiety. The goal of this therapy is to help patients overcome the anxious feelings they get when they don’t perform a ritual or compulsion of theirs.
How do I play a person with obsessive compulsive disorder?
First off, let things develop! Start off with an anxious, or fearful, feeling. Perhaps a family member has fallen ill, and your character is afraid that they’ll meet an untimely death. It seems completely rational, right? But, slowly, have them begin developing compulsions that go onto being irrational. “If I don’t tap this light switch twenty times before I turn it off, something terrible will happen to my now-ill family member…”
Usually, people with OCD will understand that their compulsions are completely irrational. Decide on what your characters compulsions are going to be, and what obsession is urging them to do it. In other words, what is the ‘reasoning’ behind their compulsion? Don’t skip around and bring things up out of nowhere, but take the time to do things right.
What else should I know about obsessive compulsive disorder?
OCD can be an absolutely crippling illness. In extreme cases, compulsions and rituals may take up hours of a person’s day, interfering greatly with their day-to-day life. OCD affects as much as 3% of the general population. and is massively underestimated by many people.
Disclaimer: Please realize that every case is different! This is just a general guide to obsessive compulsive disorder, and is in no way meant to speak for all those diagnosed with it. My suggestions are just that; suggestions. Whether or not you use them is entirely up to you.
Guide by clarkehelps