ntroduction Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a fairly common illness, but it can be debilitating. This paper discusses OCD, its symptoms and treatment, and the view of it held by society in general.
Discussion
In regard to the last point, one thing comes to mind immediately. The protagonist of the hugely successful TV show Monk suffers from OCD. In the series, his condition is played for laughs, and Mr. Monk is shown as being able to not only live a successful life but solve challenging mysteries as well. The show makes a joke out of his rituals and phobias, and in so doing paints an unrealistic picture of what OCD is like. It can be argued that since Monk is a sympathetic character, the show might actually help people …show more content…
A single family member “disabled by the disorder can destabilize an entire household, a single diagnosed case can mean several collateral victims” (Kluger, Cray and Pomerance, 2007, p. 44). In addition, OCD can “masquerade” as other conditions such as bipolar disorder, depression and even schizophrenia (Kluger, Cray and Pomerance, 2007). Since victims of the disease tend to be ashamed of it, and conceal it, it make take years before a diagnosis is made (Kluger, Cray and Pomerance, 2007). In fact, family members “sometimes join in the therapy to learn how to support an OCD sufferer, or because they may be participating in the person’s rituals to maintain peace in the home” (Giving up the secret, …show more content…
In some cases, friends may sympathize with the person and try to help them deal with their fears by relating similar experiences (Phillipson). Despite the fact that the person is motivated by concern, this is almost never a good idea (Phillipson). Another problem, as discussed earlier, is that the OCD sufferer knows the compulsions are unreasonable, but cannot control them (Ulsh, 2007). This makes them ashamed and fearful that others will call them “crazy,” so they “remain secretive about their symptoms” (Ulsh, 2007). This fear is exacerbated by programs like Monk, which portray OCD in a “comical light,” when in fact it is extremely distressing to the sufferer (Ulsh, 2007). Says one patient, “Some people don’t understand that OCD is something that completely takes over your life” (Ulsh, 2007). It can be completely debilitating, and yet the response one person got when she admitted to having it was from someone who asked her if she washed her hands constantly (Ulsh, 2007). Clearly, the reaction of the non-sufferer seems to veer from finding it funny to not understanding the condition at
Discussion
In regard to the last point, one thing comes to mind immediately. The protagonist of the hugely successful TV show Monk suffers from OCD. In the series, his condition is played for laughs, and Mr. Monk is shown as being able to not only live a successful life but solve challenging mysteries as well. The show makes a joke out of his rituals and phobias, and in so doing paints an unrealistic picture of what OCD is like. It can be argued that since Monk is a sympathetic character, the show might actually help people …show more content…
A single family member “disabled by the disorder can destabilize an entire household, a single diagnosed case can mean several collateral victims” (Kluger, Cray and Pomerance, 2007, p. 44). In addition, OCD can “masquerade” as other conditions such as bipolar disorder, depression and even schizophrenia (Kluger, Cray and Pomerance, 2007). Since victims of the disease tend to be ashamed of it, and conceal it, it make take years before a diagnosis is made (Kluger, Cray and Pomerance, 2007). In fact, family members “sometimes join in the therapy to learn how to support an OCD sufferer, or because they may be participating in the person’s rituals to maintain peace in the home” (Giving up the secret, …show more content…
In some cases, friends may sympathize with the person and try to help them deal with their fears by relating similar experiences (Phillipson). Despite the fact that the person is motivated by concern, this is almost never a good idea (Phillipson). Another problem, as discussed earlier, is that the OCD sufferer knows the compulsions are unreasonable, but cannot control them (Ulsh, 2007). This makes them ashamed and fearful that others will call them “crazy,” so they “remain secretive about their symptoms” (Ulsh, 2007). This fear is exacerbated by programs like Monk, which portray OCD in a “comical light,” when in fact it is extremely distressing to the sufferer (Ulsh, 2007). Says one patient, “Some people don’t understand that OCD is something that completely takes over your life” (Ulsh, 2007). It can be completely debilitating, and yet the response one person got when she admitted to having it was from someone who asked her if she washed her hands constantly (Ulsh, 2007). Clearly, the reaction of the non-sufferer seems to veer from finding it funny to not understanding the condition at