Am I suffering from obsessive compulsive disorder?

Q: I am a 24 years old man unable to focus on things, by which I mean that if I am watching TV I get distracted by the person sitting next to me. I have this problem for the last three years. Am I suffering from obsessive compulsive disorder? Please guide.

A:Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterised by repetitive thoughts, images, doubts that are one's own, considered somewhat absurd and unwanted, the person tries to resist them but finds it difficult to resist. People suffering from such obsessions find it difficult to get their mind off such thoughts/patterns. Such thoughts are often associated with compulsive acts/rituals. OCD is considered to be an anxiety spectrum disorder.

I suggest you seek a proper detailed psychiatric assessment. A combination of medication and CBT (cognitive behaviour therapy) under the guidance of the professional will help. Relaxation methods can also help. Do not blame yourself for the problem. Try to pinch yourself whenever you have such thoughts on the mind and try to ease out. Remember, the more we try to avoid a thought/image, the more it comes to our mind. So let it come and go on its own. Try not to follow rigid patterns of looking in just one direction.