by Christine Hammond on October 12, 2017
Obsessive thinking is pondering the same point over and over with no new insight or outcome. Remember the old vinyl records? When there was a scratch on the record, the needle would go back and play the same small section repeatedly until the needle was lifted. That is obsessive thinking. The thoughts don’t have to… (more…)
by Christine Hammond on June 1, 2017
A popular acronym for fear is false evidence appearing real. However, for the person experiencing this emotion, the evidence seems very realistic and eminent. These fears can paralyze a person for moments or even a lifetime if left unattended. They are dominant and determinate factors in daily decisions, thoughts, actions, behaviors, and other emotional responses…. (more…)
by Christine Hammond on March 8, 2017
Recently a teenager came into my office complaining about the anxiety they were experiencing from their Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) parent. They gave me a few examples. The compulsive handwashing that led to dry and sometimes bloody hands was imposed on everyone in the household. There was a sense of superiority that this family did… (more…)
by Christine Hammond on July 7, 2016
From the outside looking in, things look perfect. That is precisely the impression a person with Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD) intends to give. They seem to be the model spouse, parent, friend, and most especially employee. And they have many rewards, honors, recognitions, and promotions to prove it. But things are not what they… (more…)
by Christine Hammond on May 4, 2016
It is amazing the difference one word can make. Add the word “Personality” to Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and it changes the definition and classification. There are some similarities such as obsessive and compulsive traits, thoughts and actions. However the underlying disorder is extremely different. Here is the DSM-V definition of both: Obsessive Compulsive Personality… (more…)
by Christine Hammond on July 29, 2013
Instead of calling disorders such as ADHD, PTSD, OCD, and schizophrenia mental or behavioral disorders, Dr. Thomas Insel the National Institute of Mental Health Director suggests calling them brain disorders. This shift highlights changes in how the diagnosis can be made. In the past, ADHD, PTSD, OCD and schizophrenia were made by observing behaviors that… (more…)
by Christine Hammond on March 27, 2013
Have you ever Googled “eliminate stress” only to find a long list of impossible tasks from people who obviously don’t have a job and aren’t married with kids? My personal favorite ideas were to quit work (really… because last time I checked you work to earn money to care for your family and quitting work… (more…)