perfectionism is it ocd

[Guest johnmason]

For about 3 years I've had this

disorder. I have this constant

urge to perform everything

'perfectly', and I quote that

because it's not truly perfect,

what I try to do. For example,

when I speak, I have to

carefully select every word, and

when I move around or use a

phone, my body has to move in

this continuous motion or else

it's not 'perfect'. My problem

is that when I try to be normal,

I lose all will to actually

succeed or develop or even

exercise self-control. It's as if

my mind is forcing me to be

perfect or else forget even

trying. My grades and

relationships are falling apart

and I've reached my limit for

trying to fight this - I would

truly appreciate any help on

conquering this.

[Guest nidu]

Hi

Sorry my English..I have OCD..it is mainly intrusive type...but i also always feel that i have to be perfect...if i feel like i have done something which is not perfect...at that moment,i strongly feel to become a perfect new person and decide that frim this minute i will be perfect ,but again i fail and that time i feel like unable to function..this happens always...i too dont know properly if it has any connection with my ocd as mine is intrusive thought type....

but in this forum we will get answer.

Edited February 1, 2015 by nidu

[dksea]

Hi John, not all people who are perfectionists have OCD but it's definitely possible for perfectionists o be so because of OCD. The symptoms you describe strike me as more OCD than what people traditionally refer to as perfectionism. Traditional perfectionism to me is when people strive to complete a task such that others view it as A+/100% level. On the other hand your behavior is more about completing the task in a way that you feel it's been done "right", so it's not about how other people might evaluate it, it's about how YOU feel. That type of struggle is at the core of OCD, people with it struggle to feel "right" or "sure" about certain thoughts or actions or images. Most compulsive behaviors involve this repetition of behavior until the sensation of doing it right is achieved.

Now keep in mind, I'm not a trained mental health professional, just someone with 20 years of experience with OCD, I can give you advice but it's not the same as a professional diagnosis. If you are struggling, and it sounds like you are, your best bet is to receive a diagnosis from a trained mental health professional, a psychiatrist or psychologist most likely, or another medical doctor. That opens up doors for professional treatment including therapy and medication if necessary. However if you feel comfortable accepting a self/casual diagnosis of OCD, there are many self-guided resources you can tap in to for treating OCD, including books, workbooks, online articles, videos, etc. The main OCD-UK site has more information on OCD along with treatments and even tips on how to talk to your doctor about it. Specific details on how to get help will vary from country to country, I don't know what options are available to you in India for example.

Anyway as I said, I highly encourage you to check out the info on OCD-UK and feel free to keep asking for info here on the forums!