Thursday, November 13, 2008

You down with OCD?

In mid August of this year, I was repulsed by snakes. By now, not 3 months later, I have made a snake breeding video, been to a snake show, visited hundreds of snake sites, seen hundreds of snake videos on youtube, purchased 2 mice and 4 different snakes, and by the end of this week, I will add 2 100% heterozygous lavender alibino ball pythons for breeding to my collection.
In the past, I have often wondered if I have obsessive compulsive tendencies. When I get interested in something, I kind of go crazy with it. A few of examples of this are:

Antique Toy Soldiers
Coin collecting
Original Nintendo games
X-men comics and action figures

Ask me anything you want about these areas and I will impart of my knowledge.
Could this strange behavior be identified as a mild case of OCD?

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic anxiety disorder most commonly characterized by obsessive, distressing, intrusive thoughts and related compulsions. Compulsions are tasks or "rituals" which attempt to neutralize the obsessions. OCD is distinguished from other types of anxiety, including the routine tension and stress that appear throughout life. The phrase "obsessive-compulsive" has become part of the English lexicon, and is often used in an informal or caricatured manner to describe someone who is meticulous, perfectionistic, absorbed in a cause, or otherwise fixated on something or someone.[1] Although these signs are often present in OCD, a person who exhibits them does not necessarily have OCD, and may instead have obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) or some other condition. Obsessive-compulsive disorder is very frustrating to the affected person and any friends and family.

Phew! I think the key words here are "distressing, intrusive thoughts". I wouldn't call my thoughts distressing or intrusive.
Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go check the mailbox for the 5th time today.

1 comment:

Steve's Bird Blog said...

Whatever it is Dave I am happy about it. I broke the news last night to Nery about the Ball Pythons that are on their way and she didn't even blink. In fact she said she was mad at herself for not letting me take Eric's snakes a couple of yeas ago when he offered to let me have his ball python and red-tailed boa. As far as OCD I kinda know what you're talking about, I am that way with birds, there are two rare birds that have been reported out on the causeway at Anteople Island and all I can think about is getting out there to get pictures. Also thanks to you I am now addicted to blogging. And of course in the last 6 months motorcycles, I am already wanting to get a Triumph America in addition to my Scrambler to do more long range riding, and to have another bike for when you or Spencer come to visit. I just think hobbies are important as long as they're kept in perspective.
Regarless I am enjoying your new snake obsession almost as much as you.