OCD and sensitivity

[raja]

I have pure - O OCD and I am sensitive too.I have read it in other forums and articles that people with OCD tend to be sensitive as well.Is this true?I find it hard to take criticism .If someone tells me something which I don't like I stop talking to them . Sometimes I get hurt even if it was a joke.Are there any remedies to combat this problem.I don't want to be so sensitive.

 

[Retired]

Raja,

Anxiety is a normal reaction to stress. However, anxiety can take on a life of its own. Then it becomes an unhealthy, generalized reaction that affects the body and mind. Symptoms can include rapid heartbeat, aches and pains, and muscle tension.

Obssessive Compulsive Disorder often co exists with anxiety disorder, and the anxiety disorder sometimes lurks just beneath the surface, resulting in behavours that apear to be something else, such as being overly sensitive to criticism.

Consider people diagnosed with General Anxiety Disorder; With GAD, there is excessive worry and anxiety occurring more days than not for at least six months. The person is unable to control the worry and may have other symptoms including:

• Difficulty concentrating
• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Muscle tension
• Restlessness
• Sleep disturbance

Raja, I am not a health professional so I can only express my view as I understand your situation. I cannot speculate on the dynamics of what might be causing your sensitive reactions to criticism, but I know when I feel stress, am irritable and maybe didn't sleep well the night before, I do not appreciate anyone telling me "The trouble with what you're doing, Steve, is..............."

If you have been diagnosed with OCD, I would encourage you to continue the dialogue with your doctor, describing these situations, in the hope to uncover any possible co-existing (co-morbid) anxiety disorders that might account for your sensitivity, that might somehow be tied in to anxiety, irritability and stress.

These are conditions that are treatable and once properly diagnosed show encouraging results in controling symptoms such as these.