Episode 15: Compulsion, Obsessiveness, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders

Lives of the Unconscious

Summary: Everyone has their rituals that they insist upon observing more or less fastidiously and, if interrupted, would react to sensitively. From adhering to a particular daily routine, say, before an important exam or a date to athletes who cross themselves, put on their lucky socks, or perform some other ritual before competing. Among the so-called obsessive-compulsive disorders there is a set of symptoms that those afflicted must follow by virtue of some inner compulsion, even when they do not want to—and which massively interferes with their ability to enjoy and cope with life, whereby there is no sharp distinction between normal and pathological compulsiveness. Contemporary psychodynamic conceptions have worked out various aspects of obsessive-compulsive disorders and the psychological function they fulfil.

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Literature Recommendations:

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