Question My Boyfriend has a tendency to hold irrational beliefs that invoke anxiety. For example, he had a charm neclace and a lucky shirt that if not worn during important events, he literally would have an anxiety attack. That is better now, however, he washes his hands a minimum of 15 times a day. I noticed that he would not do this after playing with dogs or handling "dirty" things. But he WILL wash them after feeling the slightest anxiety from a serious conversation, ect. Why does he do this? SHould he get help?
Thanks!
J
Answer He is combing superstition with may very well be a case of OCD. I suggest you go with him to see his primary care provider and have the primary care provider get him an appoitment to see a psychiatrist to make the diagosis. Having a great deal of anxiety and then having to wash ones hands is just one aspect of OCD. He may have other traits such as checking, hoarding, or having to have his clothes face in the same direction in his closet or perform rituals before he can go to bed at night. A psychiatrist will know what kind of questions to ask. You can on your own write a note to the psychiatrist and give it to his secretary or mail it to him as to what you have observed. In case he does not level with the psychiatrist. OCD if he has it does not go away and does not improve on its own. It only gets worse if untreated.
