Nursing the patient who is obsessional

Abstract

Most people have some obsessional traits; they may have a need to straighten hanging pictures, a liking for tidiness and order, or put their milk bottles out in pairs rather than singly. The play activities of children often feature elements of obsessive compulsive behaviour, e.g. touching every lamp post in the street, avoiding cracks in the paving. Adults may show evidence of similar behaviour, e.g. touching wood as a symbol of good luck, or not walking under ladders. The obsessional person is dominated by a need for conformity, order and self-discipline, he is reliable, conscientious and punctual when keeping appointments.