A few years ago, when my son was starting 1st grade, we learned that he has OCD. I'm not sure how much credence I give to such distinct labels - OCD, ADD/ADHD, etc. I've come to believe that, at least in part, many disorders overlap on a spectrum that includes characteristics such as creativity and other intelligences. Still, the labels are helpful in giving a reference point for locating information. And, when it comes right down to it, it gives the doctors a way to talk to the insurance companies.

But, back to my son. The turning point from "quirky kid" to "OCD" came in the summer between kindergarten and 1st grade when he spent more time washing his hands than riding his bike.

Most people hear OCD and think of germ phobia or checking and counting. In my son's case, the germ connection is part of his issue. In particular, he was obsessed with contamination and dealt with it through unusually frequent handwashing.

Let me give some basic definitions, as I understand them, that might help clarify OCD at a basic level. The person with OCD experiences obsessions which are typically unwanted, uncontrollable thoughts. The affected person attempts to alieve the obsessions with compulsive actions that might not always seem to directly relate to the obsession.

Now, being a perfectionist and therefore constantly rearranging your CD collection doesn't necessarily constitute OCD. The "D" in the acronym stands for "disorder." In other words, the state only becomes a disorder when normal life is disrupted by your obsessions and compulsions. If you can't go to work until you make sure your CDs are alphabetized and thus end up late each date, eventually losing your job, then you might consider your condition a disorder. In my sons case, he had become paralyzed by the compulsive handwashing. The time spent washing kept him away from riding his bike (his "job" as a kid, if you will) and raked the skin off of his hands until they bled.

Another opinion that I hold is that the obsession isn't always what it seems. While the germs might appear to be the obsession, I think it goes a few steps farther back to the idea that germs cause illness and illness causes death. Death is the fear at the root of the obsession. Again, this is just my own opinion.

I'm not a doctor or a therapist, but I hope that in some small way I can be of help by sharing my experiences.