Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is one of the most common mental health conditions. In fact, at least 1 in 100 adults suffers from this disorder at any given time. Many people with OCD also have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), although the relationship is somewhat complicated.
People with the disorder can be organized to the point that it can become a problem for work. The same skills and traits that make them so organized also make them hesitant to give up on a task when they should be moving on to something else.
Nearly 2-3% of the world’s population suffers from OCD, which is characterized by recurrent, unwanted thoughts and repetitive behaviors that, in the worst cases, may significantly impair quality of life and cause significant disability. In California, the prevalence of OCD was greater among females (1,8%) than males (0.5%) over the past year.
If your OCD symptoms interfere with your daily life, you should consult therapists in California and nearby areas. A professional with specialized training in mental illness can provide a number of treatment strategies.
Even when OCD patients are aware that their obsessions or compulsions are unreasonable, they frequently feel powerless to alter their behavior. In extreme circumstances, these may prevent the person from being able to lead a normal life. But don’t worry, it is not always so bad. Taking therapy for OCD is a very effective way of dealing with the disorder, and at work, it can sometimes give you an edge over others.
The silver lining is that this trait can be used in your favor if you know how to manage it well. If you have OCD or are living with a loved one who has it, you might be surprised by this information and find it helpful in dealing with your condition or that of someone you care about.
Benefits of OCD at Work
Nearly two-thirds of individuals with OCD had significant symptoms before the age of 25. Knowing the positive sides of OCD, such as using the obsessive nature of the disorder to focus on work, may help those with OCD or who love someone with OCD cope with the disorder. It’s important for people working in teams at any level of an organization, but especially those who are just starting out and are trying to get their foot in the door or looking for a promotion within their current job position.
Here are some ways OCD can be beneficial at work:
Attention to Details
OCD is characterized by obsessions and compulsions, two factors that are often intimately related. Obsessions are unwanted thoughts or images that cause anxiety, while compulsions are repetitive behaviors that a person feels they must perform in order to relieve the anxiety caused by an obsession. The good thing is that it can improve their attention to detail.
Extra Cautiousness
Numerous OCD sufferers have fears and anxieties regarding accidents and injuries. They avoid risky situations on purpose because their OCD symptoms will manifest. As a result, patients tend to be more cautious and may be less susceptible to injury. Considering that people with OCD are more careful than others, they also give activities and situations more thought before taking any action.
Being Attentive
People with OCD are typically extremely attentive and detail-oriented. This trait can be useful in a variety of settings, including school, the workplace, and creative hobbies. In reality, the majority of people go through life on autopilot, and attention to detail is frequently neglected.
OCD patients can utilize this to their advantage. In addition to being attentive, people with OCD typically desire perfection and consider themselves to be perfectionists. This indicates that they are excellent at meeting deadlines, completing tasks with their best effort, and managing their time effectively.
Multitasking
Those with OCD tend to be masters at multitasking, but this is because of their ability to focus on one task at a time and complete it before moving on. You can also switch between tasks quickly and easily.
Of course, this isn’t always the case; some people have issues with multitasking—and often, it’s due to anxiety around switching between tasks or being unable to focus on multiple things at once. But for those with OCD tendencies, you’ll find that you’re able to shift gears quickly because you know how to prioritize your work and keep yourself organized so that your projects run smoothly.
Empathy
Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. People with this condition tend to have a high degree of empathy, which can help them be great team members who are sensitive to other people’s emotions and very good at reading people.
Creativity
OCD can lead to creativity in a couple of ways. First, it’s been shown that people are more likely to be creative problem-solvers. Second, the same focus on cleanliness that leads to obsessive cleaning rituals can also drive people toward perfectionism in other areas of their lives, which isn’t always bad. If you have trouble expressing anger or frustration in person, for example, some researchers believe that turning those feelings into artwork could help relieve stress and provide a healthier outlet for them than fighting with coworkers would.
The reason why OCD might give you an edge over your coworkers is that it can help channel emotion into creative expression, a process known as sublimation. Exposure and response prevention is the most efficient method for breaking the cycle. If you or a loved one suffers from this disorder, do not hesitate to discuss treatment options with a mental health professional.