19. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

19. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

This is where the AS person feels constant pressure saying: ‘I have to do this and that.’ It runs in a loop. Many AS people function with OCD throughout their lives. They nevertheless manage to master and control themselves, keeping their obsessions under control through willpower and reasoning. The AS person cannot always control their impulses, but can learn to manage the situation better. Learning meditation, ‘focusing’ and ‘mindfulness’, ‘defocusing’, plus a suitable diet to neutralise physiological pressure, plus more release through sport, music or art, can help a great deal. CBT is important for understanding one's own impulses.

Physical compulsions, bodily movements, serve to balance and restructure the brain, thoughts, impressions and emotions.