Does Obsessive–compulsive disorder affect the way you live?

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 26 Jul 2015 18:58:58 -0400

Obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental disorder where people feel the need to check things repeatedly, have certain thoughts repeatedly, or feel they need to perform certain routines repeatedly. People are unable to control either the thoughts or the activities. Common activities include hand washing, counting of things, and checking to see if a door is locked. Some may have difficulty throwing things out.

I will tell you one of my dark secrets.... Not really dark. It is more comedic than anything else. I have never been diagnosed with OCD but I doubt one could contest this. I can't even recall how it came about. But I will tie my shoes while running repeatedly. In first few minutes it could be up to 10 plus times. I don't count overall. It tends to be a large number. I have no clue why it bothers me so much. I have to really concentrate to get through an APFT run without stopping. But in civilian attire I can't wear shoes with laces due to this. But I do rock some nice penny loafers. I have a few more things that trigger it. But this is the most pronounced for me. It also makes buying boots challenging.

I am sure I can't be the only one out there. Is this common among in the military? I have read in the past that veterans can develop this. I just don't know how shoe laces factor in this though if it due to the military.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 26 at 2015 7:05 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 26 Jul 2015 19:05:49 -0400

I'm shocked to learn this about you! Seriously, it is a very common diagnosis among Military Professionals. After all, we are extremely detail-oriented, we strive for perfection and order in everything we do - whether it's tying our running shoes or planning a raid on a suspected enemy safehouse, we leave absolutely nothing to chance! Perhaps this is what attracted you, me, and many others to this profession on a more subconscious level? Maybe patriotism and love of country are just added bonuses.

Response by TSgt David L. made Jul 26 at 2015 7:10 PM

TSgt David L. — Sun, 26 Jul 2015 19:10:01 -0400

Hang on. I have to read this twice and then proof read it twice. Now what was the question?! LOL

Response by Cpl Jeff N. made Jul 26 at 2015 7:24 PM

Cpl Jeff N. — Sun, 26 Jul 2015 19:24:50 -0400

I read and re-read this post 10 times before responding! I think almost any detail oriented person has it at least a little bit. I do it a bit with things like checking surroundings, locking things etc. Nothing over the top but it is the check, double check, triple check mentality still embedded in my brain housing group.

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 26 at 2015 7:48 PM

SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 26 Jul 2015 19:48:55 -0400

Attention to detail is the name of the game in my MOS dealing with life support equipment so having OCD helps and makes my job easier!

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made Jul 26 at 2015 8:41 PM

SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. — Sun, 26 Jul 2015 20:41:23 -0400

There is a big difference between OCD and OCPD.
Most people that think they are OCD are actually OCPD.
http://psychcentral.com/lib/is-it-ocd-ocpd-or-what/

Is it OCD, OCPD, or What?

Grace is obsessed about order and having things “just so.” She is constantly checking for symmetry in her surroundings. The time she spends ordering and organizing her things is disrupting her life. She spends excessive time on details and...