Question

My husband says I'm wearing myself out as I'm always washing and cleaning, even when the house looks great. And I wash my hands so often that they get sore.

Should I see the doctor?
 

Answer

Yes, it is very important that you discuss your concerns and symptoms with your doctor, as you will need to have your condition diagnosed before you can be helped to overcome it.
 

There is an anxiety disorder called Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, OCD. This is characterized by recurrent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and/or repetitive behaviors (compulsions). Repetitive behaviors such as hand washing, counting, checking, or cleaning are often performed with the hope of preventing obsessive thoughts or making them go away. Performing these so-called "rituals," however, provides only temporary relief, and not performing them markedly increases anxiety.
 

As for who gets OCD - the answer is simple: anyone. It can strike children and adults alike. Individuals with OCD often feel embarrassed, ashamed, and isolated. Although they are unable to control their thoughts or behaviors, they often experience pressure from those close to them to "change"; sometimes they may be told to "stop" their behaviors, which only add to their distress. The OCD sufferer is very aware that their behaviors and thoughts make no sense. They are highly aware that what they are doing is odd, even strange. Yet the nature of the illness renders them powerless to control their symptoms.
 

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT - a 'talking' therapy where a person learns new and more adaptive ways of thinking and behaving) can be useful in helping the person become less rigid in their thinking. Medications such as serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs), have been found to be helpful in the management of difficult symptoms. Examples include fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft). Medication alone, however, is often not enough to treat symptoms of OCD ; rather, medication combined with CBT has been shown to be more successful. Caring support from family and friends is also an important part of helping a person with this disorder to discover for themselves a better quality of life.
 

Related Links
When Once Is Not Enough
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)