Since you mentioned the classification of mental disorders and OCD, I assumed you were familiar with the abbreviations. 🤷
My apologies for that assumption. That was my mistake.
The DSM, or Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, is the manual published by the American Psychiatric Association. It outlines the specific criteria used for making diagnoses.
The ICD-10 is the 10th revision of the International Classification of Diseases. It uses various codes to categorize illnesses and is managed by the World Health Organization. Chapter V specifically covers mental and behavioral disorders (those F diagnoses).
In the US, we typically use the ICD.
OCD is just the shorthand for obsessive-compulsive disorder.
That’s pretty much the gist of it.
Honestly, I feel like everyone is getting a bit too worked up over this. It isn't anything groundbreaking... as I mentioned before. A lot of things can be labeled as a "disorder," but for something to actually carry that title, it has to meet very specific clinical criteria. Besides, if a person is fine with how they are, and it isn't disrupting their daily life or affecting those around them... what does it really matter what a textbook says? 🤷
I’m hoping this thread doesn't turn into a platform for personal attacks. Let's stay focused on the actual topic: nail biting. I'll be issuing warnings to anyone who goes off track. A few posts have already been removed...
Nail biting has been classified under the DSM-5 for quite some time now—specifically within the section for mental and behavioral disorders—so there's really no need to be surprised. 🙂
As for OCD, if I’m remembering correctly, it’s slated for changes in the upcoming IBM update. It isn't actually a massive shift, though, since it's already included in the current IBM; they just categorize it differently instead of labeling it strictly as OCD.
It’s also vital to remember that not everything qualifies as a disorder. There are specific diagnostic criteria that have to be met before something is officially labeled as such. Otherwise, anyone could claim dozens of different diagnoses... thankfully, it doesn't work that way.
Thomas Morris2 said:In America, everyone knows everything, and things get discussed and commented on constantly—sometimes even more than I’d prefer. If they knew my son had allergies, they would know, because my husband and those friends see each other all the time; our kids are basically the same age, and there is always talk about weight, height, diet, developmental milestones, and all the usual topics whenever groups of parents with toddlers get together. So, this argument doesn't really hold water for me. Just because I'm not close to them doesn't mean they aren't informed; in fact, it's the opposite. That other couple lives just a few houses down, and the parents run into each other and talk all the time. As far as I know, if you invite someone to a birthday party and give them plenty of instructions, they might still slip up regarding dietary habits. A friend of mine had kids who were always at least one vegan at every single party.🤷 She would always reach out and ask what they could provide. What is the issue with asking what can be offered to your child immediately upon being invited to a celebration? ☕It's just basic politeness.
Where did you read that? Why would they do that?
And why wouldn't you just call them out and remind them? 😉
Look, relationships go both ways. People give back exactly what you put in. If you feel no need to invest, yet you're blaming others for not doing the same, that should be a sign. You've already decided how this relationship will go. Or rather, how it won't...
You missed my question, and I'm genuinely confused—how does being yourself and asking for fairness actually work?
What exactly do you mean by being true to yourself while demanding fairness?
Based on your last post, my impression is that you aren't really willing to put in the effort to bridge the gap with his friends or try to change the dynamic. It hurts when someone forgets your specific dietary restrictions, but honestly, that’s pretty standard... I see it all the time in my own circle here in the States. It isn't that these people are uncaring, negligent, or malicious. Most people just don't have health issues on their minds 24/7, so if they aren't reminded, these things happen. Ultimately, the responsibility lies with the person with the special requirements to speak up and give a heads-up.
Eric Mitchell55 said:Could someone help me make sense of the difference between schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder? I tried looking it up online, but it’s all a bit blurry and nothing really clicked. If anyone could just break it down for me in plain, simple terms, I’d really appreciate it. 😁
The simplest way to put it is when you have mood disorder symptoms (like depression or bipolar) happening at the exact same time as the schizophrenic symptoms.
Sandra Myers7 said:Posts have been moved from the thread about experiences and recommendations.
The diagnosis was made three years ago, and since then, she’s had three major episodes—by which I mean periods where she genuinely believes people are following her and eavesdropping on her. These episodes usually last between a month and two months, and everything settles down if she stays on a regular regimen, though that obviously involves a heavy dose of sleep aids. Right now, she's doing okay and is fully aware of everything that happened; she's facing it head-on. I guess I just wanted to reach out and see if anyone else could offer some insight, maybe get a second opinion from a doctor in a place like Los Angeles, just to see if there's still a chance for a full recovery...
What exactly does "recovery" look like to you?
Typically, after a third psychotic breakdown, lifelong medication is prescribed. But then again, rules are meant to be broken... A trial period without psychiatric drugs might occasionally be offered to those who’ve experienced only a single psychotic episode with positive symptoms of schizophrenia, provided they remained symptom-free during a year of maintenance therapy. Beyond that, it's usually long-term or lifelong...
Psychotherapy isn't really an option while someone is in an acute phase. Once the condition stabilizes, though, it definitely is recommended...
EDIT: Given the circumstances, you should seek a second opinion from a psychiatrist, not just a psychologist... Also, it doesn't necessarily have to be a private specialist. You could reach out to state facilities, like those in Queens or similar public hospitals, or even the Mayo Clinic... unless you specifically prefer a private practice...
We can't exactly play doctor online. There isn't a situation complicated enough where you couldn't at least call 911 to ask for advice, unless you happen to be stuck on top of the Rocky Mountains without any cell service... The key.
I had this playing in the background while I worked.
1. - A bit too taxing to listen to while multitasking. 2. - Too distracting; the tempo is sluggish and that recorder sound is just grating. 3. - Works for me. 4. - Works for me. 5. - This one works... 6. - Same issue as number 2, minus the fruit thing. 7. - Not really. The first two minutes are exhausting, then once it picks up, it’s suddenly too fast... just couldn't find the sweet spot. I listened for about five minutes. 8. - No. It’s far too slow and drains my energy while I'm working. I stopped at 2:40. 9. - Works for me, listened for about five minutes. 10. - Works for me, listened for about seven minutes.
Out of the ones that worked, numbers 5 and 10 were my favorites...
Anthony Ward20 said:I’m curious—do you ever find yourself feeling jealous of your friends when they happen to be better looking, wealthier, or more successful than you? For instance, I don't really care if an acquaintance is more attractive or doing better in life; since we aren't close, their success doesn't really impact my daily reality, so I just tune it out. But when it comes to my actual friends, I catch myself feeling envious and constantly comparing my life to theirs, which is something I really want to stop doing. Do you think someone who struggles with jealousy can truly be considered a good friend?
Also, does anyone have advice on how to actually be content with who you are, accept your own limitations, and stop feeling this constant pressure to overextend yourself?
Thanks.
It’s important to distinguish between envy and jealousy, as they aren't quite the same thing. What seems to be bothering you is actually envy... especially since you mentioned earlier that you "always feel envious"...
I don't want to overstep or act like an expert, but maybe this copy-paste will help clarify some of those points you're struggling with... Gary James88:
When someone says, "They're just jealous of my success," whether it's a new car or a promotion, they’ve missed the mark between jealousy and envy. Understanding that distinction—true emotional literacy—is vital, not just in a marriage, but in every connection we make... Once you can actually identify and name what you're feeling, you start to truly grasp your own reactions and the people around you...
Unlike envy, jealousy actually requires love to exist. You have to care about something first before you can fear someone else might steal it away from you... Envy, on the other hand, leaves no room for affection, whether in a romance or even a true friendship. While jealousy involves three people—where there's a real or imagined rival involved—envy only ever needs two...
Envy isn't just about wanting what someone else has, though that's how most people simplify it. To truly feel envy, you have to be constantly measuring yourself against others. That’s why we see so much generational envy... When you compare yourself to a peer and notice they possess a quality or achievement you deeply value, you don't see them as simply successful. Instead, you see them as superior. It forces the realization that if they are better, then by that same measure, you are falling behind. In that moment, someone else's success becomes a direct reflection of your own perceived failure, which is where that sharp, painful sting of envy actually comes from...
Envy stems from the belief that one person holds more value than another. If you can close that perceived gap, the bitterness fades... There are two ways to handle it: either tear down what makes someone successful, or work harder to achieve that same level of excellence themselves. Taking the first route is much easier and faster, which is why so many people fall into that "if I can't have it, neither can you" mindset. When enough people follow that logic, it turns into a toxic group mentality...
When a group is fueled by destructive envy, being successful or standing out becomes a liability. You can't build a thriving society without high achievers, so this aggressive hostility between peers really stunts collective progress... The only way out is to stop measuring ourselves against everyone else and realize that someone else's win doesn't diminish our own.
(author: Dr. Z. Milivojevic, psychotherapist)
P.S. I'm merging this thread with an existing one on the same topic...
My advice? Save that pile of cash you were planning to drop on a private resonance scan and put about $100 toward seeing a psychiatrist instead. If they decide you actually need specific tests, they’ll send you. Honestly, doing this all on your own just feels like throwing money down the drain... unless, of course, you have money to burn. 😁 Regarding your hand, Anthony Lopez8 mentioned that’s called depersonalization, which is pretty common in a lot of different conditions, not just schizophrenia.
The way you're describing posture doesn't really have much to do with rhythm. If you could clarify exactly what you're looking for, that would be helpful... this specific document isn't quite the right place for a topic like that.
hiddenwalker30 said:Most of the time, I just talk about everything that’s been weighing on me since my last session, while she stays almost entirely silent—offering nothing more than an occasional "hmm" or "mm-hmm." 🙄
I go there expecting her to help me uncover the root of my issues and why these fears exist in the first place, rather than being sent home just because I mention I'm having a decent day. One session even ended after a mere 15 minutes. 🙄
Since you're seeing a psychiatrist for therapy, I’m guessing she follows a psychoanalytic approach. If that's the case, what you're describing sounds like a pretty standard psychoanalytic session, at least during the early stages. Those little humming sounds are actually quite common...
It seems like the issue is simply that you had a different idea of how you'd reach a breakthrough compared to her methods. You can either lean into her process or find someone who aligns better with what you're looking for. Otherwise, you'll just end up feeling frustrated... 🤷 And honestly, it's not like you won't find another therapist... 😬
electricsurfer4 said:So, you're going to throw the rulebook at me just to get me kicked out? Well... honestly, thanks a million for the suggestion! Much appreciated!
The rules aren't meant to get you banned; they're there to make sure everyone enjoys being here—which ultimately makes things better for the readers and for you, too. 😉
On another note, besides the all-caps thing, it would be great if you could avoid posting multiple times in such quick succession... maybe every few minutes. There’s an 'Edit post' button you can use to add more info or fix things instead...
@William Evans10, you can't really compare how someone acts during an acute crisis to how they behave when their condition is stabilized. What you're describing sounds like her being in the middle of an acute episode...
It’s clear that you and your husband have been staying on top of things by consulting with doctors about her diagnosis—schizoaffective disorder, which is distinct from schizophrenia—and helping manage her medication. That level of care is vital and shows how much you truly care for her. If I may suggest, it seems like you're carrying a heavy load regarding your mother-in-law's care, which is incredibly commendable. Because you're so deeply involved, it might help to remember that her reactions during these episodes aren't coming from a healthy place. It helps to let go of the expectation that she can offer empathy right now. When someone is in a depressive state, they simply don't have the capacity for it. It's a bit like expecting someone with a broken leg to run a marathon... if you can accept that reality, it might save you a lot of heartache and prevent you from feeling so hurt by her actions.
Besides, some people just struggle with basic empathy, whether they are dealing with illness or not.
Living with and caring for someone struggling with mental health isn't easy, much like caring for anyone with a chronic physical illness. Anyone supporting a long-term patient needs support of their own. Regarding mental health specifically, while I'm not sure about specific websites for families, there are organizations dedicated to these issues that you could contact for resources. From what I know, family members are often actively involved in their programs...
Robert Harris5 said:Maybe I should just try explaining this through a more irrational lens?
Now, let me be clear—I never suggested that being a perfectionist automatically makes someone unintelligent. Not at all. In my view, we really have to distinguish between two different sides of the coin here. On one hand, you have what I’d call positive perfectionism. This is actually quite a productive trait; it involves being thorough, staying precise with your work, and setting high standards that are actually grounded in reality. It's about striving for excellence without losing your footing. On the other hand, there’s this negative side of perfectionism that seems much more prevalent these days, and frankly, it’s quite debilitating. It prevents people from functioning effectively in their daily lives. This version is characterized by setting these impossibly high, unrealistic goals that simply don't align with a person's actual capacity or circumstances. It's a cycle that just doesn't serve anyone. I don't necessarily believe that anyone struggling to solve their own problems is lacking intelligence, nor do I think happiness is reserved solely for the brilliant. It really all comes down to the nature of the struggle itself. Of course, if someone is genuinely distressed because they feel they lack physical beauty—perhaps obsessing over a perceived flaw in their appearance—you might question their judgment. Or perhaps you wouldn't? One could argue that such an obsession is simply a manifestation of perfectionism.
Martian7 actually mentioned that it’s a bit of a tough thing to explain. I certainly agree that someone dealing with those kinds of issues can still be a brilliant academic, though I just can't quite wrap my head around the idea that struggling to write a simple email wouldn't have something to do with their cognitive faculties.
And then she said this, in bold:
Matthew Castillo5 said:It’s hard to pin down, and honestly, even harder to deal with. Look, I consider myself pretty sharp—I know nobody's perfect and making mistakes is just part of being human—but I definitely lean toward perfectionism in certain areas. It isn't really a cognitive thing, though; it feels more like an emerging emotional struggle, and I suspect my upbringing probably played a huge role in shaping it.
Please read with full comprehension and don't be selective...
Robert Harris5 said:I wouldn't say those two things are quite the same, though I'll admit my analogy might be a bit off. Regarding the drinking example: someone might know, or at least strongly suspect, that they'll feel terrible later, but they choose to drink specifically to unwind, blow off steam, or just enjoy a night out. That choice doesn't suddenly drop their IQ. Also, I have to disagree with the idea that someone with OCD is consciously choosing to wash their hands twice. If they truly recognized the behavior as irrational and had full control over it, why would they do it? My point is that they do it because they don't truly perceive the dysfunction—or rather, they lack the cognitive tools to override the impulse. In fact, certain types of obsessive-compulsive disorders actually stem from perfectionism itself.
This shows a real lack of understanding regarding how certain mental health struggles actually function. You should check out the Psychiatric Couch forum under the OCD thread; I promise you that everyone posting there is fully aware of what they're dealing with. It isn't about "knowing"... it's about the emotions involved. As Martian7 already pointed out, someone who feels compelled to check if their front door is locked twenty-four times could easily be a Mensa member or a top-tier academic...
Between the constant burping and the muddy shoes, nothing gets done. Honestly, if we judged everyone by those standards, half of America would probably be hospitalized or sidelined from society... though, if someone starts acting aggressive toward those around them, as you mentioned can happen, that’s a different story entirely. Next time things turn violent, the paramedics and police get called, and then the individual is taken under police escort to the emergency psychiatric ward. From there, they can determine if hospitalization is actually necessary.