Cornholio
02-20-2003, 05:51 PM
Dear Friends,
I have it on good authority that people with OCD are of high intelligence. Studies have been done, and OCD is the hallmark of the analytical mind. People with OCD analyze things again and again and again.
Could it be that OCD is a form, or is related to, epistemological skepticism?
My Psychologist friend also pointed something out- a very profound revelation. I think that I may have caused myself to have OCD because I felt guilty about something I did in the past. I would like to hear from you guys in regards to some of the subjects I have alluded to in this post. I am particularly interested in hearing people's opinions about OCD and skepticism of epistemology. Thanks! Take care.
Yours truly,
Cornholio
I have it on good authority that people with OCD are of high intelligence. Studies have been done, and OCD is the hallmark of the analytical mind. People with OCD analyze things again and again and again.
Could it be that OCD is a form, or is related to, epistemological skepticism?
My Psychologist friend also pointed something out- a very profound revelation. I think that I may have caused myself to have OCD because I felt guilty about something I did in the past. I would like to hear from you guys in regards to some of the subjects I have alluded to in this post. I am particularly interested in hearing people's opinions about OCD and skepticism of epistemology. Thanks! Take care.
Yours truly,
Cornholio
Sponsor
NancyH
02-20-2003, 11:28 PM
All I can say is that WE would have to be intelligent to come up with creative ways of making ourselves so darn miserable!!!!
openseason
02-21-2003, 09:14 AM
You did not give OCD to yourself. OCD is genetic. Talk to other members of your family about it.
Anonymity
02-25-2003, 01:14 PM
Cornholio,
I think in my particular case, a great deal of my OCD is genetically related. I do, however, think you have brought up some interesting points that I wish to mull over even more.
In the meantime, I think this is interesting:
You said, "I think that I may have caused myself to have OCD because I felt guilty about something I did in the past."
What if you had (and always had) OCD and the excessive guilt that accompanies OCD is influencing you into believing that you "gave" yourself OCD when the truth is that you always had OCD (at some level or another) and nothing you did could have "caused" it?
Quite an interesting parrallel, don't you think? I will have to ponder some more! :)
I think in my particular case, a great deal of my OCD is genetically related. I do, however, think you have brought up some interesting points that I wish to mull over even more.
In the meantime, I think this is interesting:
You said, "I think that I may have caused myself to have OCD because I felt guilty about something I did in the past."
What if you had (and always had) OCD and the excessive guilt that accompanies OCD is influencing you into believing that you "gave" yourself OCD when the truth is that you always had OCD (at some level or another) and nothing you did could have "caused" it?
Quite an interesting parrallel, don't you think? I will have to ponder some more! :)
Cornholio
02-25-2003, 01:51 PM
Dear Anonymity,
hello there! I have yet another theory. My car was stolen back in 1996, and shortly thereafter, I got full blown OCD in its intensity.
Could I have developed OCD because I have not forgiven that person for what they did to me?
Well, here is my effort. I forgive that person for what they did. However, I pray that God punishes them for their sin.
There- now lets see if I get better! I hope so.
By the way, thanks for the comments!
hello there! I have yet another theory. My car was stolen back in 1996, and shortly thereafter, I got full blown OCD in its intensity.
Could I have developed OCD because I have not forgiven that person for what they did to me?
Well, here is my effort. I forgive that person for what they did. However, I pray that God punishes them for their sin.
There- now lets see if I get better! I hope so.
By the way, thanks for the comments!
starshine2212
02-25-2003, 09:57 PM
I really like that idea. It definitely is better than thinking I'm losing my mind! I'll just repeat "I'm so smart" everytime my thoughts start! : )
Oh, my mom has OCD too, my thoughts are it's generic!
Oh, my mom has OCD too, my thoughts are it's generic!
The Silent Wheel
02-26-2003, 05:28 AM
It's my opinion that OCD is genetic in terms of how an individuals mind reacts to anxiety. Any situation that can cause stress can create OCD. (i.e. guilt, depression, trauma, etc.) And in part, I think it is learned behavior. So in a sense, we do do it to ourselves.
Cornholio, do you feel guilt from not having forgiven the person who stole your car? If not, it's more likely the stress of the event itself contributed to your OCD.
Here is something else to ponder. If you truly forgave the individual who stole your car, would you be wishing that that person be punished?
------------------
"The silent wheel does not get the grease."
Cornholio, do you feel guilt from not having forgiven the person who stole your car? If not, it's more likely the stress of the event itself contributed to your OCD.
Here is something else to ponder. If you truly forgave the individual who stole your car, would you be wishing that that person be punished?
------------------
"The silent wheel does not get the grease."
NoonBlueApples
09-22-2003, 02:45 AM
I wonder if any of you have discovered any link between OCD, and childhood occurrences of strep throat.... Personally, I have suffered from severe OCD since I was in my early teens, and coincidentallyl, I had had recurring instances of strep throat.... Having searched through the Internet I have coincidentally found correlations between OCD, and strep throat, and am wondering if any one else out there with OCD, had also suffered from recurring episodes of strep throat... Having searched through the Internet I have coincidentally found correlations between OCD, and strep throat, and am wondering if any one else out there with OCD, had also suffered from recurring episodes of strep throat...
NoonBlueApples
09-22-2003, 04:04 AM
I accidentally repeated myself in my last sentence....please don't hold it against me....I was being completely serious...
ShannonKay
09-22-2003, 02:23 PM
I have'nt had strep throat, but I have heard many theories on OCD related to the illness. Ask your doctor! It's an interesting and unusual concept that appears to be true.
------------------
Shannon
------------------
Shannon
sweetbelky
09-22-2003, 04:36 PM
Cornholio,
just a couple possible theories on why the stolen car incident intensified your OCD:
Having something stolen like that totally violates your sense of 'control'. In a twisted fashion, OCD tends to give us a false sense of control, so maybe your mind tried to compensate.
Is it possible that you felt somewhat personally accountable for that incident - as though you could've done something to prevent it from happening, or in some way it was your fault? (OCD'ers tend to have an exaggerated sense of personal accountability and guilt.)
just a couple thoughts...
just a couple possible theories on why the stolen car incident intensified your OCD:
Having something stolen like that totally violates your sense of 'control'. In a twisted fashion, OCD tends to give us a false sense of control, so maybe your mind tried to compensate.
Is it possible that you felt somewhat personally accountable for that incident - as though you could've done something to prevent it from happening, or in some way it was your fault? (OCD'ers tend to have an exaggerated sense of personal accountability and guilt.)
just a couple thoughts...
Cornholio
09-22-2003, 04:51 PM
Dear Belky,
I think that you are absolutely correct! Yes, OCD is all about control over one's environment. I did feel responsible for my car getting stolen, for several reasons. For reasons I can no longer recall, I remember thinking to myself "I wish my car would get stolen". Isn't that strange?
Then, I failed to lock my doors at the movie theatre, like a monumental idiot. All the thief had to do was open the door. I have since become deeply cynical and hateful towards people. I am torn between love and hate. I try to love for God- but I fall into hate every once in a while. It's a vicious cycle.
Right now, I am going through a dark time in my life. I hate people right now. I despise the world because it carries on without concern for my pathetic little life. I see couples together and happy, while I rot in my house. OCD has not only raped me again and again- but it has butchered me. The psychological pain of OCD is like being skinned alive. My phobias have isolated me and made my anger swell. I am jealous of normal people, and I loathe them, because they are free, and they take their freedom for granted. I am a slave to OCD, and I am trapped in this prison from which there is no trace of hope to escape. It is a nightmare- except it is not just an illusion- it is a harsh, blistering reality.
I would like to believe that there is hope- but when one is crestfallen...lost in despondency....hope vanishes entirely from the universe. We have tunnel vision, only seeing the darkness.
I think it is the epitome of cruelty that we tell little kids about stories of riding off with a knight in shining armor. It is cruel, because life just is not like that. This is reality- it is brutal, malevolent, and oppressive beyond words.
Maybe God will be so kind as to restore to me what the locusts have eaten. Perhaps if that day comes, I will know what its like to be happy again. Happiness has become a failing memory. I knew joy when I was younger. What a shame that my joy has had its tragic demise.
Feel free to comment if you so desire.
I think that you are absolutely correct! Yes, OCD is all about control over one's environment. I did feel responsible for my car getting stolen, for several reasons. For reasons I can no longer recall, I remember thinking to myself "I wish my car would get stolen". Isn't that strange?
Then, I failed to lock my doors at the movie theatre, like a monumental idiot. All the thief had to do was open the door. I have since become deeply cynical and hateful towards people. I am torn between love and hate. I try to love for God- but I fall into hate every once in a while. It's a vicious cycle.
Right now, I am going through a dark time in my life. I hate people right now. I despise the world because it carries on without concern for my pathetic little life. I see couples together and happy, while I rot in my house. OCD has not only raped me again and again- but it has butchered me. The psychological pain of OCD is like being skinned alive. My phobias have isolated me and made my anger swell. I am jealous of normal people, and I loathe them, because they are free, and they take their freedom for granted. I am a slave to OCD, and I am trapped in this prison from which there is no trace of hope to escape. It is a nightmare- except it is not just an illusion- it is a harsh, blistering reality.
I would like to believe that there is hope- but when one is crestfallen...lost in despondency....hope vanishes entirely from the universe. We have tunnel vision, only seeing the darkness.
I think it is the epitome of cruelty that we tell little kids about stories of riding off with a knight in shining armor. It is cruel, because life just is not like that. This is reality- it is brutal, malevolent, and oppressive beyond words.
Maybe God will be so kind as to restore to me what the locusts have eaten. Perhaps if that day comes, I will know what its like to be happy again. Happiness has become a failing memory. I knew joy when I was younger. What a shame that my joy has had its tragic demise.
Feel free to comment if you so desire.
sweetbelky
09-22-2003, 05:51 PM
Cornholio,
Based on your description of things, I have not experienced those feelings at the same level of intensity, but I can sympathize and understand why you feel the way you do.
Forgive me if I sound presumptuous, but the ‘vibes’ I get from you are that of a very kind, loving person with a heart larger than life. Unfortunately, many times these qualities tend to make a person more vulnerable to the harshness of this world. Continual exposure (direct and indirect) to the disappointing cruelty of life can sometimes develop into a state of existential angst.
I do hope that you can eventually discover the motivation and means to escape your current imprisonment. Keep in mind that true joy is manifested from within, independent of external factors. I wish for you the best.
~belky
Based on your description of things, I have not experienced those feelings at the same level of intensity, but I can sympathize and understand why you feel the way you do.
Forgive me if I sound presumptuous, but the ‘vibes’ I get from you are that of a very kind, loving person with a heart larger than life. Unfortunately, many times these qualities tend to make a person more vulnerable to the harshness of this world. Continual exposure (direct and indirect) to the disappointing cruelty of life can sometimes develop into a state of existential angst.
I do hope that you can eventually discover the motivation and means to escape your current imprisonment. Keep in mind that true joy is manifested from within, independent of external factors. I wish for you the best.
~belky
DrEinstein22
09-27-2003, 05:30 AM
Cornholio,
Listen, I'm OCD. I believe it is genetic. To me you do not come across as OCD, but rather a lost individual who is depressed with the reality that life is. Using Freudian anaylsis of your writings....it also seems you are waiting for love or in a type of unrequitted love or angry with love as well. You seem like a person in need of attention and connection with other people. And remember you do not have to prove to me or anyone else you are smart---simple words sometimes work much better than overdefined words. The part about your car getting stolen- anyone who gets their car stolen is going to have a paranoid fear about it and the anxiety may manifest itself into physical motion. If you want to call this "Acute time acquired OCD" I suppose you may, but in reality I believe it is anxiety.
I think you have to learn to love yourself mi amigo. Don't follow the beaten path, love life, live love, and long love the life. May the best be for you.
And OCD people are brilliant. Most people who are brilliant have disorders. But whose to say they are disorders? Are the madmen running the asylum?
ADD/ADHD people are creative and brilliant as well.
Listen, I'm OCD. I believe it is genetic. To me you do not come across as OCD, but rather a lost individual who is depressed with the reality that life is. Using Freudian anaylsis of your writings....it also seems you are waiting for love or in a type of unrequitted love or angry with love as well. You seem like a person in need of attention and connection with other people. And remember you do not have to prove to me or anyone else you are smart---simple words sometimes work much better than overdefined words. The part about your car getting stolen- anyone who gets their car stolen is going to have a paranoid fear about it and the anxiety may manifest itself into physical motion. If you want to call this "Acute time acquired OCD" I suppose you may, but in reality I believe it is anxiety.
I think you have to learn to love yourself mi amigo. Don't follow the beaten path, love life, live love, and long love the life. May the best be for you.
And OCD people are brilliant. Most people who are brilliant have disorders. But whose to say they are disorders? Are the madmen running the asylum?
ADD/ADHD people are creative and brilliant as well.
DrEinstein22
09-27-2003, 05:35 AM
And I would like to know what your answer is to your first question of philosophy dealing with Plato's theories.
Do you know what you are asking by questioning if OCD is a form? Or if it is just skepticism in the study of knowledge?
I'll give you my answer if you write back one with substance.
Do you know what you are asking by questioning if OCD is a form? Or if it is just skepticism in the study of knowledge?
I'll give you my answer if you write back one with substance.
StitchCarver
10-02-2003, 01:54 AM
Cornholio:
First, I too think OCD is indication that a person could possibly be smarter than average. ANd someone put it best, we have to be smart and damn creative to come up with all the crazyness.
Second, you don't seem to be someone with OCD. I think discovering that you have OCD is a revelation, an answer to a question that plagues the OCDer. Like, if you obsess about everything, and worry, and come up with crazy thoughts that aren't true, finding out that it's OCD at least gives you hope, and puts a name on the madness. You say you have OCD, but you're still searching for answers.
I could be wrong, and maybe your car being stolen was a big enough stress on you that it got your OCD going. IN that case, forget about about forgiving the person (which you haven't because you pray for their punishment) what's important is forgiving yourself. It's possible that you feel so guilty and responsible, and you're being so hard on yourself, that your OCD came on. Definitely see a shrink.
Lastly: I can't stress it enough, OCD is not totally genetic. There's so much enviroment involved, more than you could imagine. A parent with OCD could make his child so fricken nervous, and scared, and anxious that their OCD would be ten times worse. OR, a parent who understands their OCD, has had treatment, could rasie their child to be very normal, and able to deal with anxiety and stress and have very little OCD.
Damn I wrote a lot, sorry!
First, I too think OCD is indication that a person could possibly be smarter than average. ANd someone put it best, we have to be smart and damn creative to come up with all the crazyness.
Second, you don't seem to be someone with OCD. I think discovering that you have OCD is a revelation, an answer to a question that plagues the OCDer. Like, if you obsess about everything, and worry, and come up with crazy thoughts that aren't true, finding out that it's OCD at least gives you hope, and puts a name on the madness. You say you have OCD, but you're still searching for answers.
I could be wrong, and maybe your car being stolen was a big enough stress on you that it got your OCD going. IN that case, forget about about forgiving the person (which you haven't because you pray for their punishment) what's important is forgiving yourself. It's possible that you feel so guilty and responsible, and you're being so hard on yourself, that your OCD came on. Definitely see a shrink.
Lastly: I can't stress it enough, OCD is not totally genetic. There's so much enviroment involved, more than you could imagine. A parent with OCD could make his child so fricken nervous, and scared, and anxious that their OCD would be ten times worse. OR, a parent who understands their OCD, has had treatment, could rasie their child to be very normal, and able to deal with anxiety and stress and have very little OCD.
Damn I wrote a lot, sorry!
danmc15
10-02-2003, 10:59 AM
OCD is caused by an imbalance in seratonin levels in the brain. It is chemical, not intellectual, and can be treated using Selective Seratonin Re-uptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). No matter how stupid or smart you are, you're not going to think your way into a chemical re-balancing of your brain.
StitchCarver
10-02-2003, 01:48 PM
"OCD is caused by an imbalance in seratonin levels in the brain. It is chemical, not intellectual, and can be treated using Selective Seratonin Re-uptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). No matter how stupid or smart you are, you're not going to think your way into a chemical re-balancing of your brain."
You're right, an imbalance of seratonin levels is a factor. But it's not purely chemical, and shouldn't only be treated with medicine. You may not be able to think your way into a chemical imbalance, but you can think your way into an unreasonable obsession. Some OCD sufferer's have fears that they are crazy, or murderers, or gay. That is completely "mind" and not brain. I don't mean to be a jerk, but do some research on it. You'll see. All OCD should be treated with some form of Behavioral therapy. That suggests a huge amount of intellectual power goes into OCD :)
You're right, an imbalance of seratonin levels is a factor. But it's not purely chemical, and shouldn't only be treated with medicine. You may not be able to think your way into a chemical imbalance, but you can think your way into an unreasonable obsession. Some OCD sufferer's have fears that they are crazy, or murderers, or gay. That is completely "mind" and not brain. I don't mean to be a jerk, but do some research on it. You'll see. All OCD should be treated with some form of Behavioral therapy. That suggests a huge amount of intellectual power goes into OCD :)
Cornholio
10-06-2003, 12:43 PM
Dear Friends,
Many of you have written things that deserve responses. I will try to address those things now.
Belky, thank you for your accolades. I think that most people have been accurate in their assessments of me- especially yourself.
In regards to Platonic theory- I only know a very small modicum of Plato's ideas. I am now encouraged to investigate them further. But I thought that Plato, and I still think, that he was a great philosopher. Was it he who spoke of the cave, the fire, and the shadows? Instead of him being real, the shadow was reality? Sorry I am only cognizant of a few vague details about that particular matter. At all events, I think Plato was closer to divinity than many other thinkers.
OCD has sometimes been called the "doubting" disease. Although I do not think that all people with OCD are genius, I do think that there is a correlation between obsessive/compulsive disorder and intelligence. I haven't known a great many people with the disorder, but from my own experience, I think that most of them are bright people.
I wish I really did not have obsessive-compulsive disorder- but I am certain that I do. There is no other explanation for my wierd phobias and behaviors. For example, this is an embarrassing phobia to speak of, but it is true. I have a phobia of mayonnaise. Not kidding. I do not know where this absurd phobia came from. I don't have the first clue. But the phobia is so severe that I get anxious if I merely see a cup from a fast food restaurant. Why? Because I have this notion that the cup may have either been in close proximity of or actual contact with mayonnaise. As a result of my exaggerated perceptions, I become nervous when I am around fast food or trash that comes from fast food places.
I wash my hands apx fifty times a day. The obsessive handwashing is the hallmark of OCD in my opinion. Of course, not everyone who has OCD washes their hands again and again...be that as it may, I fear that the only thing that could explicate my recidivistic behavior is Obsessive-compulsive disorder. Although, again, I wish it weren't thus.
I remember taking a Psych course in college a few years ago. I think that as I learned more about OCD, I began to realize that I might have the illness. I think I was in denial at first. Then I was diagnosed, and myriad doctors have been in agreement that my affliction is indeed OCD. I am taking Fluvoxamine and a few other psychotropics, and it seems to lessen my anxiety, and even contributes to rational thought patterns forming. If I miss taking my meds even one time, my thoughts race, and I think negatively about future events.
I did not get "full Blown" OCD until I was around 20 years old. However, I am certain that it was always dormant within me. When I was a little boy, I had to have my stuffed animals in specific order. Anal retentive behavior, or obsessive? Then, when I raked the yard at my grandparents home, the lines had to all be straight. These, among other things, were early manifestations of the OCD. I also worried a lot- moreso than my peers and kids my age.
Maybe I haven't forgiven myself yet- maybe I haven't forgiven the theif yet. There seems to be a wall of some kind in front of me. It is preventing me from being well again. What could it be? If I can break down the wall, I can be well again. I believe God is going to heal me- the only question is when. I feel like I may be able to have my miracle come quicker if I can figure out what the wall is, and demolish it. Is the wall caused by me not forgiving myself? The criminal who stole my vehicle? Or something else entirely?
I probably shouldn't share this- but I have even confronted the possibility that I made myself sick with OCD. It is possible. My therapist expounded on the theory a few months ago. She told me that I am a bright person, and perhaps I had some reason for wanting to be sick- perhaps to reestablish order in my life (from the chaos of having a car stolen), or the desire to not have to work while attending college at the same time. Maybe- just maybe- I caused myself to get sick. How little did I know what I was bargaining for. I have gone through the tortures of the damned with my illness. I sometimes question my own sanity, because I think it would take a severely deranged masochist to make oneself sick with OCD. It is total, relentless misery.
As for today, I am still in solitude- but I feel optimistic. When I am taking my meds as I should, it really does help me! Please, folks, take your meds. I was very skeptical until very recently. I would often stop taking my meds, and I felt apathetic. I doubted that the pills had any more affect than a placebo- but evidently, I was wrong. I can tell now that there is a grave difference. When I am not taking my meds, I have thoughts that are completely negative. I think about the future, and it looks dark. I imagine future happy events to be sad. I succumb to despondency. However, when I take my Luvox, I have different, more positive thoughts! I am now convinced that the medicines really do work. I will now make a sincere effort to always take them every day from now on.
Please by all means respond if you so desire.
By the way- I thank God that things are going well for me now. I feel 90 percent better than I did last week. I am now even a little happy. I am optimistic as well!
Many of you have written things that deserve responses. I will try to address those things now.
Belky, thank you for your accolades. I think that most people have been accurate in their assessments of me- especially yourself.
In regards to Platonic theory- I only know a very small modicum of Plato's ideas. I am now encouraged to investigate them further. But I thought that Plato, and I still think, that he was a great philosopher. Was it he who spoke of the cave, the fire, and the shadows? Instead of him being real, the shadow was reality? Sorry I am only cognizant of a few vague details about that particular matter. At all events, I think Plato was closer to divinity than many other thinkers.
OCD has sometimes been called the "doubting" disease. Although I do not think that all people with OCD are genius, I do think that there is a correlation between obsessive/compulsive disorder and intelligence. I haven't known a great many people with the disorder, but from my own experience, I think that most of them are bright people.
I wish I really did not have obsessive-compulsive disorder- but I am certain that I do. There is no other explanation for my wierd phobias and behaviors. For example, this is an embarrassing phobia to speak of, but it is true. I have a phobia of mayonnaise. Not kidding. I do not know where this absurd phobia came from. I don't have the first clue. But the phobia is so severe that I get anxious if I merely see a cup from a fast food restaurant. Why? Because I have this notion that the cup may have either been in close proximity of or actual contact with mayonnaise. As a result of my exaggerated perceptions, I become nervous when I am around fast food or trash that comes from fast food places.
I wash my hands apx fifty times a day. The obsessive handwashing is the hallmark of OCD in my opinion. Of course, not everyone who has OCD washes their hands again and again...be that as it may, I fear that the only thing that could explicate my recidivistic behavior is Obsessive-compulsive disorder. Although, again, I wish it weren't thus.
I remember taking a Psych course in college a few years ago. I think that as I learned more about OCD, I began to realize that I might have the illness. I think I was in denial at first. Then I was diagnosed, and myriad doctors have been in agreement that my affliction is indeed OCD. I am taking Fluvoxamine and a few other psychotropics, and it seems to lessen my anxiety, and even contributes to rational thought patterns forming. If I miss taking my meds even one time, my thoughts race, and I think negatively about future events.
I did not get "full Blown" OCD until I was around 20 years old. However, I am certain that it was always dormant within me. When I was a little boy, I had to have my stuffed animals in specific order. Anal retentive behavior, or obsessive? Then, when I raked the yard at my grandparents home, the lines had to all be straight. These, among other things, were early manifestations of the OCD. I also worried a lot- moreso than my peers and kids my age.
Maybe I haven't forgiven myself yet- maybe I haven't forgiven the theif yet. There seems to be a wall of some kind in front of me. It is preventing me from being well again. What could it be? If I can break down the wall, I can be well again. I believe God is going to heal me- the only question is when. I feel like I may be able to have my miracle come quicker if I can figure out what the wall is, and demolish it. Is the wall caused by me not forgiving myself? The criminal who stole my vehicle? Or something else entirely?
I probably shouldn't share this- but I have even confronted the possibility that I made myself sick with OCD. It is possible. My therapist expounded on the theory a few months ago. She told me that I am a bright person, and perhaps I had some reason for wanting to be sick- perhaps to reestablish order in my life (from the chaos of having a car stolen), or the desire to not have to work while attending college at the same time. Maybe- just maybe- I caused myself to get sick. How little did I know what I was bargaining for. I have gone through the tortures of the damned with my illness. I sometimes question my own sanity, because I think it would take a severely deranged masochist to make oneself sick with OCD. It is total, relentless misery.
As for today, I am still in solitude- but I feel optimistic. When I am taking my meds as I should, it really does help me! Please, folks, take your meds. I was very skeptical until very recently. I would often stop taking my meds, and I felt apathetic. I doubted that the pills had any more affect than a placebo- but evidently, I was wrong. I can tell now that there is a grave difference. When I am not taking my meds, I have thoughts that are completely negative. I think about the future, and it looks dark. I imagine future happy events to be sad. I succumb to despondency. However, when I take my Luvox, I have different, more positive thoughts! I am now convinced that the medicines really do work. I will now make a sincere effort to always take them every day from now on.
Please by all means respond if you so desire.
By the way- I thank God that things are going well for me now. I feel 90 percent better than I did last week. I am now even a little happy. I am optimistic as well!
Sanguine
10-07-2003, 04:09 AM
Glad to hear that you're feeling a bit better, and I have a few points to consider. While it has always been theorized that with genius comes a touch of madness, I do not always agree that this particular disorder is indicative of high intelligence. I will agree that there appear to be many intellignent people with a tremendous analytical bent that happen to have OCD, but I think there is more to it than that.
I don't think that I have OCD, I do experience anxiety from time to time that sort of shadows panic related symptoms or GAD, but not in a full blown sense. I do consider myself a very intelligent person, and I have often shared your belief that anxiety may be the result of advanced thought processes. But clearly there are people out there who, regardless of IQ, get bizarre compulsions to perform rituals for no apparent reason. There are below average people out there who wash their hands hundreds of times a day or retain obsessive thoughts about diseases. Whether intelligent or average or substandard, a recurring thought or sense of doubt has just as much to do with an incorrect balance of serotonin as it does with childhood trauma and low self esteem. There are chemical and experiential reasons for anxiety disorders, and certainly they are interrelated.
I'm not trying to argue so much as to clarify; nor am I accusing you of not believing that there are living counterexamples to your theory. I just think that the OCD tendency is really a mental construct that varies considerably with personalities, experiences, and intelligence levels. From what I understand, the disorder poses questions that seem dire and must be answered for a sense of closure. It preys upon self-doubt and the problematic conditioning of emotion and memory. If you are extremely intelligent and have OCD, you are likely to ruminate and analyze things in greater detail than the less intelligent person -- but that doesn't mean that you'll spend any more or less time analyzing the fears that bother you than the less intelligent person. Furthermore, if the truly intelligent mind is capable of creative analytical thought and posing difficult questions, it can come up with creative answers. To me, OCD and other anxiety disorders have more to do with how we cope with self-doubt and the negative emotional conditioning that results from obsession. Anxiety is easily reinforced in the subconscious mind.
In some cases, I think that ignorance and an inability to analyze things from all angles would set the stage for fear, insecurity, and anxiety.
I guess my point was just to provide some other examples even though it is probably true that there are many intelligent people with OCD. It is also likely true that there are many sensitive and emotional people with OCD. No matter what, it's a very complicated disorder, as are all anxiety related problems. And it's also interesting to analyze these things from an intellectual standpoint.
Just one perspective...
Good luck...
I don't think that I have OCD, I do experience anxiety from time to time that sort of shadows panic related symptoms or GAD, but not in a full blown sense. I do consider myself a very intelligent person, and I have often shared your belief that anxiety may be the result of advanced thought processes. But clearly there are people out there who, regardless of IQ, get bizarre compulsions to perform rituals for no apparent reason. There are below average people out there who wash their hands hundreds of times a day or retain obsessive thoughts about diseases. Whether intelligent or average or substandard, a recurring thought or sense of doubt has just as much to do with an incorrect balance of serotonin as it does with childhood trauma and low self esteem. There are chemical and experiential reasons for anxiety disorders, and certainly they are interrelated.
I'm not trying to argue so much as to clarify; nor am I accusing you of not believing that there are living counterexamples to your theory. I just think that the OCD tendency is really a mental construct that varies considerably with personalities, experiences, and intelligence levels. From what I understand, the disorder poses questions that seem dire and must be answered for a sense of closure. It preys upon self-doubt and the problematic conditioning of emotion and memory. If you are extremely intelligent and have OCD, you are likely to ruminate and analyze things in greater detail than the less intelligent person -- but that doesn't mean that you'll spend any more or less time analyzing the fears that bother you than the less intelligent person. Furthermore, if the truly intelligent mind is capable of creative analytical thought and posing difficult questions, it can come up with creative answers. To me, OCD and other anxiety disorders have more to do with how we cope with self-doubt and the negative emotional conditioning that results from obsession. Anxiety is easily reinforced in the subconscious mind.
In some cases, I think that ignorance and an inability to analyze things from all angles would set the stage for fear, insecurity, and anxiety.
I guess my point was just to provide some other examples even though it is probably true that there are many intelligent people with OCD. It is also likely true that there are many sensitive and emotional people with OCD. No matter what, it's a very complicated disorder, as are all anxiety related problems. And it's also interesting to analyze these things from an intellectual standpoint.
Just one perspective...
Good luck...
scaredbuthopeful
10-07-2003, 05:03 AM
My OCD isnt talked about much in my family. And then the other day something interesting happened. I was on the phone with my Dad and he was complaining how he hadnt gotten any sleep the night before because for some odd reason my Mom kept getting up to make sure she had turned the stove off. He said that she did it like five times. So Im leaning toward genetics on this one.
PauloSRS
10-14-2003, 03:58 AM
IQ 138, no family cases involved and i hate OCD.
Yes i feel very smart and brilliant so i want to kill myself, thanks OCD...
Chemical or not, creative or not it is proven that almost every genious had some Neurosis or desease related to mental health, just take a couple of hours doing some search and you'll find it...
Anyway i didn't ask to have this and again i say...OCD made my life miserable and i wish i would be just another dork so that i could do those so called " normal things " instead of cutting myself up just to fool the brain in to receiving fisical pain and " forgeting " for a time those " serotonin chemicals "...
I don't feel blessed by this, i feel cursed...Einstein was a genious...then came atom energy...Hiroxima...intelligence is always used for someone elses interests or you'll be just another mad scientist...lol.
------------------
Trust me it's paradise...
Yes i feel very smart and brilliant so i want to kill myself, thanks OCD...
Chemical or not, creative or not it is proven that almost every genious had some Neurosis or desease related to mental health, just take a couple of hours doing some search and you'll find it...
Anyway i didn't ask to have this and again i say...OCD made my life miserable and i wish i would be just another dork so that i could do those so called " normal things " instead of cutting myself up just to fool the brain in to receiving fisical pain and " forgeting " for a time those " serotonin chemicals "...
I don't feel blessed by this, i feel cursed...Einstein was a genious...then came atom energy...Hiroxima...intelligence is always used for someone elses interests or you'll be just another mad scientist...lol.
------------------
Trust me it's paradise...
VeganLady
10-16-2003, 03:29 AM
Did anyone notice that everyone answering this post seemed to have above average intelligence? I had never considered it before, but every OCD sufferer I know seems to be above average in the intelligence department. Also, as someone with OCD symptoms (and an array of other mental illnesses) I must say that I did have regular Strep infections as a child, and even a few now. Sometimes, I would have up to ten infections a year! So I most certainly believe that the two things are related. My IQ is said to be 148, and I have no one in my family with OCD or any other mental illness. Also, no one in my family, that I know of, with an IQ above 148. Of course, OCD does have chemical explanations, but I do believe that IQ and Strep infections play some role. It's hard for me to not believe that, considering how the two play into my life.
Great topic. :) I really want to learn more about this.
Great topic. :) I really want to learn more about this.
PauloSRS
10-16-2003, 10:31 PM
And im also a Vegan... :) .
------------------
Trust me it's paradise...
------------------
Trust me it's paradise...
PauloSRS
10-17-2003, 01:22 AM
In my case i know that OCD is really related with Intelligence...it gave me the chance to see the beautifull world we have been living in to, our planet, and the view of how stupid mankind is...stupid to the point of spending a whole life making this beautiful place such a mess, without any respect for whom was here first ( Earth )... let's face it, when there is an entire world that doesn't even think about the future and the fact that if we continue like this there will be no future... I have always asked myself...does anyone ever look at the sky at night? We have been blessed with a nightsky that although always changing, is by far the most beautiful painting in the universe. Does anyone spent some minutes watching a sunshine ? Rain forests...animals...flowers...We live in a blessed world...But why do we want to destroy it with no respect for itself ? At least i have seen lots of the things Earth has to offer but i know for sure future generations won't...maybe an OCD sufferer shoul rule the world instead of Cowards how hide behing Guns, Oil, Fanatism, Money... OCD shows me that there is no future...
In a tree
10-18-2003, 10:57 AM
In response to the strep throat theory, I am an O.C.D. sufferer and I literally had up to 8 cases of strep a year until I got my tonsils out at age 29. I do not have the O.C.D. where I wash my hands or take hours to climb stairs, but everything in my "world" must be perfect. In my closet, it looks like a department store the way everything is so coordinated. If I buy something new, I feel like I need to clean the house for the new purchase. When I meet someone at school, just to talk a minute before class starts, I obsess over them. I wonder if they find me attractive, if they are happy, and what they think of me in general. I get angry at myself because I can't turn my mind off from wondering about them. What makes me even more mad is I know they are not even thinking about me. How do you just turn your mind off? Also, I am intelligent.
Cornholio
10-19-2003, 05:53 PM
I have been crying a lot lately. Few know this, but the truth is that I am excruciatingly lonesome. My heart hurts so severely that it feels like a steel vice grip is crushing it in my chest. My head aches and my body is feeling pain all over from this draconian solitude. I can't stop crying. I cried in Church again today, and no one helped me. I cried in the mall, and no one came to ask what was wrong. I have been completely alone for approximately eight years now, and it is killing me slowly. I die a little more each day. I am the definition of oblivion. None understand me. If I had impunity, I would quickly kill myself right now. But I have family who evidently needs me. I must be needed for someone else, a kind female who is not related to me. But I am so rare, f'ed up, and eccentric that no one can relate to me at all. It hurts to breathe. No one outside my family will cry once I am gone. My life has meant nothing at all.
sweetbelky
10-19-2003, 07:32 PM
Hi Cornholio,
{{{Hugs}}}
~sweetbelky
[This message has been edited by sweetbelky (edited 10-19-2003).]
{{{Hugs}}}
~sweetbelky
[This message has been edited by sweetbelky (edited 10-19-2003).]
StitchCarver
10-20-2003, 11:22 PM
You're a very good writer. Not only do I think OCD, anxiety, and the like seem to be realted to intelligence, but almost moreso, creativity. Creative genius let not be without some sort of madness ro sadness. Take heart in the fact that you are creative, but you are also emotional. Sometimes your curse, sometimes your cure.
PauloSRS
10-21-2003, 05:10 AM
Corn...
Life's too short to be always pissed off.
Count with me if you need anything, i know how you feel bro...
------------------
Trust me it's paradise...
Life's too short to be always pissed off.
Count with me if you need anything, i know how you feel bro...
------------------
Trust me it's paradise...
nuzzlebasket
10-25-2003, 03:02 AM
Cornholio,
I've had ocd since I was 4 yrs old.
my mother was bipolar so no wonder
my childhood was 1/2 hell.
At 25 I started on Paxil & things
are 90% better ocd wise.
Of course I still have worry, mood swings,
ect. but at least I can function somewhat
normally.
As far as being intelligent, I can remember
dates, songs & health-related issues super well
but sometimes seeing all those "normal happy people"
gets to me & I feel stupid, incompetent & the
loneliest soul on the entire planet.
Switches in routines make me nervous, upset,
panicky. My mom died 4 months ago & I NEVER thought
I'd make it this far.
Theres others out here like you, Corn.
You''re not alone
I've had ocd since I was 4 yrs old.
my mother was bipolar so no wonder
my childhood was 1/2 hell.
At 25 I started on Paxil & things
are 90% better ocd wise.
Of course I still have worry, mood swings,
ect. but at least I can function somewhat
normally.
As far as being intelligent, I can remember
dates, songs & health-related issues super well
but sometimes seeing all those "normal happy people"
gets to me & I feel stupid, incompetent & the
loneliest soul on the entire planet.
Switches in routines make me nervous, upset,
panicky. My mom died 4 months ago & I NEVER thought
I'd make it this far.
Theres others out here like you, Corn.
You''re not alone
Cornholio
10-25-2003, 03:15 AM
Hey Nuzzle- I wanted to say that I am very sorry about your Mother.
I am so confused these days. So many people are suffering worse than I am, but I feel so much pain inside.
Today, I feel sorrow's embrace around me once more. I may change my name to "sadness".
I am beginning to believe that I want to be sad for the rest of my life. I am beginning to believe that this is just the way it is meant to be, so I might as well accept my fate. I think I am in love with being despondent.
I do not foresee any developments occurring in the near nor distant future- but if anything happens...if I ever feel happy again...I will let you know.
"I thought I got it right, for once,
I sought and found perfection.
But when you said 'I love you',
You addressed your own reflection."
- M. Walkyier (1999)
I am so confused these days. So many people are suffering worse than I am, but I feel so much pain inside.
Today, I feel sorrow's embrace around me once more. I may change my name to "sadness".
I am beginning to believe that I want to be sad for the rest of my life. I am beginning to believe that this is just the way it is meant to be, so I might as well accept my fate. I think I am in love with being despondent.
I do not foresee any developments occurring in the near nor distant future- but if anything happens...if I ever feel happy again...I will let you know.
"I thought I got it right, for once,
I sought and found perfection.
But when you said 'I love you',
You addressed your own reflection."
- M. Walkyier (1999)