Obsessive compulsive personality traits could be an anxiety disorder, marked by intrusive thoughts and repeated behaviors. The "obsessive" part of obsessive compulsive disorder is the invasive, unwanted thoughts that keep coming up, that people with obsessive compulsive disorder can't seem to get out of their head.
Obsessive Compulsive Traits
People with obsessive compulsive disorder have common obsessions:
- Constant, irrational worry about germs, dirt, or contamination
- Feelings that something bad will happen if certain items are out of order or place
- Fear that thoughts will cause someone harm
- Preoccupation with throwing away or losing items that have little value
- Rumination about hurting someone else
The "compulsive" part of obsessive compulsive disorder is repeatedly performing ritualistic behaviors and routines to keep anxious thoughts quiet. The compulsions are attempts to neutralize the persistent, unwelcome anxious thoughts. Traits of obsessive compulsive disorder are similar in different people.
People with obsessive compulsive disorder have common compulsions:
- Repeatedly washing your hands, bathing, or cleaning household items
- Checking things several times a day: the stove is turned off, the curling iron unplugged, the doors and windows closed or locked
- Repeating a name, phrase, or tune
- Performing daily activities excessively slowly
- Saving old newspapers, bottle caps, rubber bands – anything.
Children With Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Children with obsessive compulsive disorder are less likely to realize their actions and thoughts are irrational even though they dedicate several hours a day to their compulsions. Children with obsessive compulsive disorder are more likely to be bullied because their peers don't understand the compulsions – and children target others who are different. Children with obsessive compulsive disorder may internalize what the other kids say, and believe that they are "crazy" or "a loser" or that they'll never be loved. Bullying also increases feelings of depression, anxiety, and loneliness.
Treating children with obsessive compulsive disorder should involve their peer relations and self-esteem as well as the anxiety disorder itself (the compulsions and obsessions). Learning how to handle aggressive peers at home and school will reduce anxiety and increase feelings of control in children with obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Treatments for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Treatments for obsessive compulsive disorder could involve behavior modification or prescription medication, depending on the situation. Combined treatments for obsessive compulsive disorder are most effective, according to psychologist Nienke Tenney from Utrecht University. The problems and limitations that both adults and children with obsessive-compulsive disorder experience are mostly due to depression and personality – and not the obsessive-compulsive disorder itself. Half of all people who struggle with obsessive-compuslive disorder have a personality disorder as well, which limits their social skills and reduces their quality of life.
Anxiety disorders are highly treatable. A good therapist will treat the whole person (not just the obsessive-compulsive traits). People and children with obsessive-compulsive disorder lead happy, fulfilled lives – without obsessive compulsions.
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Source of this obsessive compusive disorder information: The Anxiety Disorders Association of America.
