Is it possible for gossip to be an OCD?

Answer 1

It is "possible", but not if gossip is the only symptom. DSM IV Criteria for the Anxiety Disorders: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder A. Either obsessions or compulsions: Obsessions as defined by (1), (2), (3) and (4):

# Recurrent and persistent thoughts, impulses, or images that are experienced, at some time during the disturbance, as intrusive and inappropriate and that cause marked anxiety or distress. # The thoughts, impulses or images are not simply excessive worries about real-life problems. # The person attempts to ignore or suppress such thoughts, impulses or images, or to neutralize them with some other thought or action. # The person recognizes that the obsessional thoughts, impulses or images area product of his or her own mind (not imposed from without as in thought insertion). Compulsions as defined by (1) and (2): # Repetitive behaviors (eg, hand washing, ordering, checking) or mental acts (eg, praying, counting, repeating words silently) that the person feels driven to perform in response to an obsession, or according to rules that must be applied rigidly. # The behaviors or mental acts are aimed at preventing or reducing distress or preventing some dreaded event or situation; however, these behaviors or mental acts either are not connected in a realistic way with what they are designed to neutralize or prevent, or are clearly excessive. B. At some point during the course of the disorder, the person has recognized that the obsessions or compulsions are excessive or unreasonable. Note: This does not apply to children.

C. The obsessions or compulsions cause marked distress, are time-consuming (more than 1 hour a day), or significantly interfere with the person's normal routine, occupational (or academic) functioning, or usual social activities or relationships.

D. If another Axis I disorder is present, the content of the obsessions or compulsions is not restricted to it.

E. The disturbance is not due to the direct physiological effects of a substance or a medical condition. Specify if:

With Poor Insight: If, for most of the time during the current episode, the person does not recognize that the obsessions and compulsions are excessive or unreasonable.