Diagnosed w/OCDP while studying for the DAT

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yoyo90

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Greetings,

So I was diagnosed with OCPD and now it is clear to me why I do the things in life the way I do (I am very specific when it comes to the way things are placed, preparing for the next day, etc). It is kind of a pain for me and is exhausting. When I try to calm down and do things in a more relaxed way and not care about details, I start feeling down because I know I can do things better. It is a constant tug war.

I finally gave up and decided that in order to not feel down and not feel guilt when I do not do things perfectly (aka the way my brain tells me to do them), I will just do what my brain tells me. However, when I apply that to studying, I end up spending too much time studying. I mean I can go on for two days. I do not feel bored, as I am enjoying doing things perfectly (example: I started reading the heredity chapter from AP Bio. yesterday and taking notes and I ended up taking notes on the first two pages of the chapter from 3 PM to 10 PM. After that, I felt terrible about myself when reflecting on how I spend this whole time looking things up on Google, YouTube, refreshing on the older chapters, looking into things more deeply from the previous chapters.

I know that the DAT is a lot of material and I realised that in order for me to do well on it, I will have to get through the material. However, at the speed I am going at, I will not have the enough time to study the other subjects (let alone finishing AP Bio.).

Do you have any recommendations on how I should study? Should I stop taking notes? Should I not bring paper and pens with me? Should I turn off WiFi to not search things up on Google and YouTube? I cannot find a happy medium. I either go full on with notes, or if I don't, I start feeling guilty.

Thank you for your help.
 
Are you on medication/undergoing cognitive therapy? You TOTALLY don't have to answer that question! Only reason I ask is because I too have OCD and it isn't something that you can control quickly. It takes time to find triggers and ways to combat them. I'd talk with your physician about studying for the DAT as he/she would know much more about this than anybody on these forums. Good luck! Know that it doesn't have to define your life and that you can do what you want, it just takes some time and discipline.
 
I am not on medication. I went to a psychologist and she told me to switch careers. I am currently looking up and leaving voicemails to new psychologists. I am glad for seeing someone that has gotten to where they want with a condition that I have, it makes things seem optimistic. Yes, that is the plan, as soon as I find a good/new psychologist. Thank you for your wishes, yes it has been a rough battle but I am trying to get it under control...
 
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