Obsession is a brain diseases…
Psychiatrist Prof. Nevzat Tarhan stated that obsessions are a brain disorder and expressed that “They mostly begin during adolescence. If treated during this period, they can be resolved quite easily. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in adolescents can improve more quickly.”
Tarhan explained that obsessive traits can turn into an advantage and stated that “If a person transforms their anxieties into an opportunity by developing a goal-oriented perfectionism, their obsessive traits can become a strength in their life. In this case, a crisis is turned into an opportunity.”
Tarhan also mentioned that obsessive tendencies can appear at a very young age, even at three or four years old.
President of Üsküdar University and Psychiatrist Prof. Nevzat Tarhan evaluated the topic of obsessive personalities.
They experience difficulties in relationships
Prof. Nevzat Tarhan explained that obsessive personalities are individuals who have obsessive traits but do not have obsessive-compulsive disorder and have not been diagnosed with a psychiatric illness. He categorized these personalities into two main groups and stated that “Perfectionists and meticulous individuals are called obsessive personalities. They do not have a personality disorder. This does not affect their social adaptability. Perfectionists are meticulous and have a strong sense of control. They struggle with flexibility and experience difficulties in relationships. These individuals can maintain a successful marriage. If they manage their obsessions well, they can be very successful. Successful obsessive individuals are considered healthy.”
If they cannot train themselves, they become stubborn
Tarhan pointed out that obsessive personalities are generally shaped by familial predisposition and learned behaviors within the family and stated that “If a person has a predisposition, this condition can become more severe and turn into a disorder. At this point, obsessive-compulsive personality disorder may develop. Individuals with obsessive-compulsive personality disorder want everything to be perfect and in its proper place. They constantly make improvements in their work and struggle to complete tasks. For example, they may have difficulty signing a document. Their fundamental psychological issues revolve around order, perfectionism, and control. They want everything in every aspect of their life to be orderly, flawless, and under control. If they cannot educate themselves, they become extremely rigid and stubborn.”
Obsessive personalities struggle in relationships
Prof. Tarhan emphasized that obsessive personalities are not flexible, which is why they struggle in relationships. “They do not want to lose control in relationships and operate with the mindset of ‘I am perfect, everyone should be perfect.’ Their perfectionism towards others can sometimes reach the level of torment. These individuals are often known as workaholics. Their private and social lives are almost nonexistent; they devote all their time to their work or their areas of focus. They are also extremely frugal when it comes to spending, and some even develop a fear of spending money. These characteristics reflect obsessive personality traits and symptoms of personality disorder.”
Steve Jobs was known for his perfectionism
Prof. Nevzat Tarhan noted that if a person is perfectionist and this perfectionism is goal- and strategy-oriented, then the principle of "success lies in the details" applies to them. He stated that “Such individuals make decisions by considering their goals and strategies and position themselves accordingly. Thanks to these traits, they are usually successful and can notice details that others overlook. However, obsessive tendencies that are not goal- or strategy-oriented can have the opposite effect. They may spend an hour arranging a desk and neglect their actual work. Obsessiveness without goals or strategies can lead to disaster; in such cases, the saying ‘the devil is in the details’ becomes relevant. If a person can manage their mental processes correctly, obsessiveness ceases to be a disadvantage and turns into an opportunity. Perfectionism, when guided properly, can be an important tool for success. One of the best examples of this is Apple’s founder, Steve Jobs. Jobs was known for his perfectionism, and this trait enabled him to produce exceptionally high-quality work.”
Pay attention to a person if they spend 50 out of 60 minutes on such thoughts!
Prof. Tarhan explained that OCD has different subtypes and stated that “Repetitive thoughts (obsessions) play a significant role in the disorder reaching a pathological level. In OCD, obsessions emerge as recurring distressing thoughts and cause anxiety. For individuals who spend a large portion of their free time preoccupied with obsessions, this becomes a serious problem. If someone spends 50 out of 60 minutes thinking about or acting on these thoughts, it could be a sign of OCD. Behaviors like constant hand washing, arranging a table, or making everything symmetrical are examples of compulsions. Mental compulsions are also common, such as excessive praying, constantly counting, or repeatedly saying certain words. Doubt-related obsessions are also very common. A person might repeatedly think, ‘Did I lock the car?’ and return to check it multiple times or wonder, ‘Did I leave the door open?’ and check it repeatedly.”
Overcoming obsessions requires letting go of the need for 100% certainty
To overcome obsessions, individuals should stop trying to be 100% certain and trust their intuition. Prof. Tarhan advised that “They should act with the belief that ‘This is probably correct, I believe it is 51% likely to be true.’ If a person adopts this approach, they can reduce repetitive checking behaviors. For example, someone obsessing over whether the house door is open should trust their first instinct that they closed it and resist the urge to check repeatedly.”
They enter a loop of repetitive thinking because they cannot make decisions
Prof. Tarhan explained that when OCD reaches a severe level, brain scans are conducted to analyze which regions of the brain function faster or slower and how the decision-making mechanism operates. Tarhan stated that “In individuals with OCD, when a thought or feeling arises, the frontal region of the brain usually makes quick decisions about whether it is appropriate, valid, useful, or safe. However, people with OCD cannot complete this process. Because they cannot make a decision, they enter a loop of repetitive thinking. In severe cases, patients are usually hospitalized and given intensive treatments. With therapy and medication, the sensitivity of these brain pathways is normalized.”
Some individuals cannot even leave their room
Prof. Tarhan stated that "There are cases where individuals cannot even leave their homes or even their rooms." Tarhan expressed that some people stay in the bathroom for a day and a half due to the fear of "getting dirty," and that the condition can become so severe that it reaches the level of psychosis.
Prof. Tarhan further explained that "This disorder is actually a brain disease. It is impossible to improve psychological processes without first correcting the brain's decision-making mechanisms or their underlying structure. The brain's infrastructure refers to neurobiological processes, while the upper structure is related to psychological processes. Mental processes have two fundamental components: neurobiological and neuropsychological. For effective treatment, both aspects must be addressed together. Even after recovery, there is still a risk of relapse."
OCD typically begins during adolescences
Expressing that “This condition usually progresses step by step rather than appearing suddenly,” Prof. Tarhan made the following remarks:
“It often starts during adolescence. If treated during this period, it is quite easy to resolve. OCD in adolescents can improve more quickly due to their stronger brain plasticity, or neuroplasticity. When treatment is applied, positive results are obtained faster. In OCD, the problem begins when anxiety is triggered in the brain. A thought enters a person’s mind, and they cannot manage it. The more they dwell on it, the more anxiety increases. As anxiety grows, the person feels more discomfort, and this turns into a disorder. However, if the person learns to regulate their emotions and thoughts, the situation does not develop into an illness. This is because obsessions manifest not only in thoughts but also in emotions.”
Childhood trauma is often present in the background
Prof. Tarhan highlighted that childhood traumas frequently underlie obsessive disorders and stated Traumatic events experienced during childhood often emerge in the treatment process. Shocking events, abuse, neglect, and sexual trauma can leave unresolved psychological wounds. If these traumas remain unresolved, the individual may develop obsessions to cope with their distress. This is why it is important to examine childhood experiences in detail.”
Obsessive tendencies can appear at a very young age
Prof. Tarhan stated that in some cases, obsessive tendencies can emerge at a very young age, even as early as three or four years old. Tarhan made the following remarks: “In one case that I will never forget, a five- or six-year-old child came in for treatment. At the beginning of the conversation, the child suddenly said, ‘It’s 3:47.’ The fact that a child of this age could express time in such detail was a sign of an obsessive predisposition. When I mentioned this to the mother, she was surprised and asked, ‘How did you know?’ Even focusing on such a small detail about time was an indication of an underlying obsessive behavior.” Prof. Tarhan emphasized that parental approach during childhood plays a significant role in these tendencies. Tarhan concluded his remarks as follows: “Children who grow up in an environment where excessive affection and extreme discipline coexist develop both love and resentment towards their mothers. However, since they cannot express this anger, they suppress it, leading to an internal mental conflict. They are unable to relax. If parents become aware of this, the situation can be corrected.”
Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)