OCD is a mood disorder that many people have heard of but dont really know much about. I have played poker for years with it, but have an extremely different view of the world because of it.

For over 12 years i chose to run from it and ignore its existence, but coming to grips with it is something that has been an experience that is a constant process.

I think it would be beneficial to just answer any questions anyone may have about living with it, no question is too stupid or outlandish (in fact, i encourage it, and i know that oot can deliver!).

And no, this topic is not a level.

Probably start by describing a typical day.

How often do you wash your hands?

how does your ocd manifest itself?

have you seen that ocd show on VH1?

you down with ocd?

When/how did you realize you had or might have OCD?

What are your specific symptoms? Checking, hand washing, hoarding, etc?

Are you on medication? How many different meds have you been on?

Does it run in your family?

Have you been in therapy? What kind? CBT? How long?

Yeah, a good start.

--wake up, eat breakfast, carefully measuring out portions of food for breakfast. Don't want to eat too many or too few calories, and my breakfast has been the same as it has been for the past 5 years. If I am denied it, I am extremely tilted for the rest of the day.

--go to work, but it is very difficult to concentrate, as thoughts of topics that constantly run through my mind break my concentration. I probably check poker websites every 20 minutes, stocks every 10 minutes, and this is the only way I can really "keep on track" and be productive.

--eat lunch, same routine, same place, and usually with the same person. It is difficult really having friends with OCD, as other things take higher priority, but those who you do have are ones you really value.

--go home, eat dinner, same dinner I have been eating for the past 2-3 years, and making sure that all portions are even and consistent.

--surf the internet and check all of my regular websites. If I am away from them for a long period of time, I become extremely tilted.

--thinking abut poker is also constant, and when it becomes too much, I will go play a long session at night to calm the stress. Time is not an issue here, as it would only interfere with sleep.

--Sleep is something that occurs in between thoughts racing in my head, and is usually scarce. I typically wake up 2 times every night, and use the time to fix a small, perfectly-portioned snack and surf the internet.

A common misconception. OCD manifests itself in a variety of ways, sometimes dealing with the washing of hands. However, this is not my case, although I will check and re-check safety locks and stove burners.

In my case, my obsessions are largely tied to hoarding objects and making money, including poker. My compulsions, or behaviors, result from the inability to reject these thoughts without having an extremely-depressed mood.

The difference between this and an addiction is that an addiction is largely triggered by a stimulus. I am the catalyst in this case, not the activity, and when I get something fixated in my head, it will dominate my thoughts and actions for weeks, months, or years at a time.

I have not seen the OCD show on VH1, but I think my previous posts should tell you about its manifestation.

At times. I am very good at hiding it in normal interaction, but I also make an effort to keep people at a distance, as well.

i think he wanted you to say "yeah you know me!"

What are your breakfast, lunch and dinner meals you have been eating so long?

I suspected it at the age of 11, but was diagnosed only 6 months ago by a professional.

My specific symptoms are minor checking, major hoarding, and pathological addiction.

I am on meds, 2 of them, 1 of which takes the tilt out of poker.

Mental illness does run in the family, although I am the first OCD.

I have been in individual therapy for 6 months, largely due to my inability to cope with the business environment.

I am a little bit touchy about it, but I will say this, I do my best to remain in perfect physical condition, and any deviations will cause me to become extremely preoccupied.

I cut alcohol and processed sugar out of my diet altogether, for example.

It is not an eating disorder like orthorexia because it is more of a symptom of the overall OCD mindset. Needless to say, I need a measuring cup to make my meals.

The questions have been relatively civil so far. I am actually a little bit disappointed.

So do you kill people with axes and chainsaws?

Sounds to me like you have a very mild case.

I had it much worse years ago -- the counting, touching objects an even number of times, etc. -- but was able to overcome most all of it. Only when I get really stressed do I slide a little these days.

I always like the humor, but absolutely not.

I constantly count, do not get me wrong, and everything I do must have perfect symmetry, but I feel these are to specific for an inclusion in a typical day. How were you able to overcome it?

Which medications specifically are you on, and have you felt that they've helped with your OCD symptoms? I know you said one takes the tilt out of poker, but I'm more curious in if you have noticed a reduction in the OCD specifically.

Likewise, what does the therapy generally consist of? Exposures? Do you feel it has been worthwhile and have you noticed any improvement?

U didnt answer what exactly the meAls were??

I am currently on SSRIs and sleep sedatives, which help to alleviate the depressive aspect of the disorders. However, the actual cognition and behaviors still exist in a mitigated state.

I have been able to open myself more to the possibility of friendship, although I never truly feel accepted no matter how normal I try to appear. These are the topics that are largely discussed at therapy, as I have avoidant personality disorder as a residual effect of the OCD.

Basically, I expect the OCD to persist, but I know that my inability to function in a social environment is something that can be fixed. These are what the meds and therapy strive to accomplish.

I have noticed cyclical improvement in the respect that I have opened myself up more to people of both sexes...although my OCD still manifests by allowing myself to second guess whether or not these people want to befriend someone like me.

Maybe because I do not exactly wish to divulge this, as I do not think it would contribute much to the discussion.

You're a hoarder? Do you live in squalor like those hoarders on the TV?

Yes, I am a hoarder. And no, I do not live in squalor, but it is close, I would blow a year's salary on collectibles and literally fill my house with them, to the extent that walking room is compromised. They really serve no purpose, and it has literally been a constant money sink.