OCD.. causes??

[teamsupra]

Can OCD be caused or worsened by verbal abuse? My husband has verbally abused me for 7 years now, and it seems like my OCD is getting worse. I have NOT be diagnosed with OCD, but it seems like I have symptoms of it. I feel that it is necessary to have a clean house, and it causes me grief to see dirt on the floors.. however, I can leave my house without obsessing over it. I have finally told my husband that he has to stop abusing me, which has caused me to feel better. I find it hard to tell him when he has hurt me, and I catch myself cleaning constantly to avoid him. When he goes out of town, I feel some sort of relief, and I am able to do what I want. My parents do not feel that I ever showed any signs of OCD when I lived at home. I always had a straight room, but the rest of my parent's house was pretty dirty, and I didn't realize it until my husband constantly pointed it out to me.

What causes OCD???

Thanks!

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

I think you gave yourself the answer in the body of your question.  You clean to avoid. You avoid your husband, you avoid your anger, and you avoid your fear of speaking up and doing something about the abuse.

The cure is to continue to speak up and respect yourself. Counseling is recommended. You can start online with my MasteringStress program ( above) and then go to office counseling if that is required.

[Keegan]

Both of you should goto a marriage counselor.  Tell him to clean for once!  It is great you have a clean house.  But, don't get upset with yourself if you see a spot of dirt. I know it's hard.  Take care of yourself.