“The refusal to rest content, the willingness to risk excess on behalf of one’s obsessions, is what distinguishes artists from entertainers, and what makes some artists adventurers on behalf of us all.” John Updike, about J. D. Salinger.
Developing creativity and realizing creative ideas usually takes a degree of obsession.
But it isn’t a disorder.
In an overview on Psych Central of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Michael Demitri, M.D. notes it is considered an anxiety disorder when it’s “characterized by recurrent and disturbing thoughts and/or repetitive, ritualized behaviors that the person feels driven to perform. Obsessions can also take the form of intrusive images or unwanted impulses.”
In contrast, creative obsessions are not unwanted. We choose to be engaged with compelling and motivating creative ideas.
The image is a replica Dodo skeleton crafted by Adam Savage (co-host of the TV series “Mythbusters”).
Before posting, please read our blog moderation guidelines. The comments below begin with the oldest comments first. Click on the last comments page to jump to the most recent comments.
Bridgette
10:53 am on
July 7th, 2010I really think that OCD goes a bit further than just being an anxiety disorder. And I am not using, the word “just” loosely here. I believe it’s a mental illness that is just being learned of from more and more people coming forward to get, treatment they need and want. Although there are still people out there, living with OCD who, do not receive the help they so desperately need! I am one of them. I’m on meds for depression, so Im sure it’s working somewhat for my OCD. I feel so obsessed to wash my hands, but it’s not just washing them, it’s like surgical washing. Each finger, very carefully. Yeah, it takes a long time, and I really don’t do it way too much during, the day, I really don’t. But when I do it, it’s crazy weird.
Before posting, please read our blog moderation guidelines.
Post a Comment:
Copyright © 1992-2012 Psych Central. All rights reserved.
Site last updated: 23 May 2012
|
