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CLEANING OCD
My mother is fixated on cleaning even though she is not physically fit at the moment. She doesn't wait for other people to complete a chore and it's entirely impossible for her to leave chores like jhadu-pocha even for a single day. She currently has a boil on her stomach and backache but she doesn't care about these problems and her main concern is just cleaning, albeit I have many a times explained to her that she could be suffering from OCD and rather than giving in, she should push herself to ignore the urge one task a day. She doesn't listen to anybody. Please suggest ways to curb this obsession.
Answers (7)
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Hi,
Looks like she has OCD. If she is refusing to consult.
You can consult a psychiatrist on her behalf. Psychiatrist will guide for futher management.
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Hi
I can imagine how helpless u feel when ur mother doesn’t listen to u and pushes herself to the extent of being careless for her own health. It might not be easy for you to manage this situation I can understand.
OCD is characterised by frequent n chronic cleaning of hands .. like washing hands repeatedly to the extent of making life miserable for her loved ones. It’s imp that she realises this as an issue for anyone to help her reduce her habits.
Meanwhile we can discuss further what u can do to deal with this situation.
Next Steps
Would u like to make a list of what’s in your control and what’s not. To begin with.
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Dr. Rakhi Anand (PhD)
Psychologist
30 yrs exp
Delhi
Hello,
It seems to be the case of OCD but before making a proper diagnosis a visit to Clinical Psychologist is important so that everything is taken into account. OCD generally is not a condition that will not go away without treatment. Gradually try to normalise daily household routine, like you said you have encouraged her to give up on one urge each day with it you also have to search some distraction techniques so that when there is an urge she is able to engage her mind somewhere else. For example: talking to someone she loves, chanting or watching certain positive videos. Psychoeducate her about this disorder and how seeking treatment can help her.
Next Steps
Encourage her to consult a clinical Psychologist for CBT
Health Tips
Use distraction techniques and motivate her
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Ms. Kavita Sharma (PhD)
Counselling Psychologist
7 yrs exp
Udaipur
Thank you Sharing, I appreciate that you are understanding your mother well and taking care of her and want to do more good for her betterment,I also appreciate that you approaching guidance from Professionals, what you have shared yes it looks like a OCD, but with medication and psychotherapy this can be overcome. Don't worry about it, I suggest you to consult with both Psychiatrist and Psychologist to help her best.
Next Steps
Consult with Psychiatrist and Psychologist.
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Ms. Nikeeta Shah
Psychologist
3 yrs exp
Pune
Hey! This can be a symptom of OCD but to get a clear cut diagnosis, please check with a psychiatrist. You can also check what underlying thoughts she has before she feels she needs to clean. Also, how does she feel like after she cleans. The frequency of it and if there's any ritual, like cleaning 4 times only or anything of this sort. You telling all these observations to a psychiatrist may help understand the diagnosis better. All the best!
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Ms. Hema Sampath
Psychologist
18 yrs exp
Bangalore
If she is cleaning many a times, and not listening to anyone, then you can doubt whether she has OCD..
I feel She is particular in keeping the house neat and clean because she had lived a life all these like that..
You can extend your support in cleaning the house and helping her in other household chores as she is isn't doing well...
Next Steps
For more details and clarity please do reach me..
https://prac.to/hema-sampath-psychologist-dir
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Ms. Juhi Parashar
Counselling Psychologist
11 yrs exp
Gurgaon
She needs medicine asap
Consult a Psychiatrist
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