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Originally Posted by Psychotics
You're right. OCD is a great thing. The last thing we should do is get rid of it.
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Clearly "OCD" (however you define that) is detrimental to many people and can create havoc in many people's lives. What I am discussing though is that "OCD" and actions/thoughts labeled obsessions might have in fact been beneficial to mankind. It seems many of mankind's greatest minds exhibited obsessive tendencies and there has been correlation between those labeled with "OCD" and intelligence. Some people's suffering can make the world a "better" place.
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Originally Posted by Ubermensch
IMO psychology's aim shouldn't really be to make people "normal," but to help individuals become what they want to become. From my understanding of things, a person can't be diagnosed with a disorder unless this disorder interferes with some aspect of that person's life in an unwanted way. For example, someone may in fact be a sexual sadist, but if this "disorder" or "behavior" doesn't negatively impact that person's life, then it can't be classified as a "disorder." Besides that, if it isn't causing a negative impact, then there is no reason to try to change. So in your particular situation, I'm guessing that OCD does in some way negatively impact your life. Your dilemma however is that essentially the "cure" is causing you to lose your ability to focus creatively. If this is in fact the case, then it seems that your choice of whether or not to continue pursuing treatment for OCD depends on what you value more. Your art or your ability to function optimally. Weigh the pros and cons of treatment and decide from there.
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These sorts of statements make me question the kind of labeling that occurs within psychology and psychiatry and its impact upon patients.
I've found after the past 5 months that the most satisfaction I have garnered so far in life has come about from breaking out of the mental mold of "illness" and "disorder" that comes with scientific labeling and therapy techniques. I believe that for many OCD patients, the box of therapy and labeling can trap them in a cycle and identity that can limit their perspective. Not to say that the techniques and interaction between patient and therapist cannot help them (clearly they can), but there are drawbacks and unavoidable consequences of identity changes due to "diagnosis".
Anyhow, that seems to be how I have been able to break away from lack of fulfillment within my life. You have to first recognize the loop between patient, therapist and "goals" to break out of it.