Do all programmers suffer from OCD?
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Many people I know would say I suffer from some sort of OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder - for anyone not familiar with the term). I have never been 'diagnosed', nor have I ever sought any kind of treatment or medication, because I just consider myself to have a few behavioral quirks. An example of some of my quirks are: - I have to lock my vehicle (with remote) three times. - I check my alarm clock a few times before going to bed. - I have to get up at a certain time, be off to work at a certain time, etc, or I have a bad day. - I have to wash my hands immediately after eating at a public place. - ... you get the idea. Looking back at my life, I realized I never had 'OCD issues' before I was a programmer. Looking at other programmers around me I realize many, if not most of them, display characteristics that some would attribute to a form of OCD. Do you have OCD? Do you think it could have anything to do with writing code for so many years?
Not OCD, but ADHD definitely! I forget to do a lot of things and have trouble listening when people are talking to me, because I expect them to say boring things all the time, and they usually do. :-D On the other hand, when I'm playing a computer game or checking out some interesting CP article, all those troubles magically disappear. :) Oh, wait... I do have OCD behavior. When people say boring things or when I have to wait for something I also repeatedly count to 4 in my head. Sometimes I use my fingers for the same purpose.
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I have to turn the lights of and on 17 times when I leave a room else my family will die!
He who makes a beast out of himself gets rid of the pain of being a man
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Many people I know would say I suffer from some sort of OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder - for anyone not familiar with the term). I have never been 'diagnosed', nor have I ever sought any kind of treatment or medication, because I just consider myself to have a few behavioral quirks. An example of some of my quirks are: - I have to lock my vehicle (with remote) three times. - I check my alarm clock a few times before going to bed. - I have to get up at a certain time, be off to work at a certain time, etc, or I have a bad day. - I have to wash my hands immediately after eating at a public place. - ... you get the idea. Looking back at my life, I realized I never had 'OCD issues' before I was a programmer. Looking at other programmers around me I realize many, if not most of them, display characteristics that some would attribute to a form of OCD. Do you have OCD? Do you think it could have anything to do with writing code for so many years?
I have a good friend with quite serious OCD who isn't a programmer. I have noticed certain similar symptoms among a few colleagues over the years and I do think it might be quite common. I don't, as far as I can tell suffer myself, I certainly don't obsessively tidy my desk :laugh:
"The secret of happiness is freedom, and the secret of freedom, courage." Thucydides (B.C. 460-400)
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hmm Friends episode?
The answers posted by me are suggestions only and cannot be used in anyway against me.
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Many people I know would say I suffer from some sort of OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder - for anyone not familiar with the term). I have never been 'diagnosed', nor have I ever sought any kind of treatment or medication, because I just consider myself to have a few behavioral quirks. An example of some of my quirks are: - I have to lock my vehicle (with remote) three times. - I check my alarm clock a few times before going to bed. - I have to get up at a certain time, be off to work at a certain time, etc, or I have a bad day. - I have to wash my hands immediately after eating at a public place. - ... you get the idea. Looking back at my life, I realized I never had 'OCD issues' before I was a programmer. Looking at other programmers around me I realize many, if not most of them, display characteristics that some would attribute to a form of OCD. Do you have OCD? Do you think it could have anything to do with writing code for so many years?
Paul Brower wrote:
I check my alarm clock a few times before going to bed.
I always check my car door after locking it(even though I know it is locked).
Paul Brower wrote:
- I check my alarm clock a few times before going to bed.
yes I do that too. I have this checklist that I repeat in my head whenever I go or leave a place. The checklist: "Cellphone, sigarettes, lighter, wallet, keys". And everytime in that exact order. And a whole list of other stuff that most people find wierd :-D It might be OCD or just me being over cautious, but it doesn't bother me at all, is kind of a lifestyle :laugh:
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Many people I know would say I suffer from some sort of OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder - for anyone not familiar with the term). I have never been 'diagnosed', nor have I ever sought any kind of treatment or medication, because I just consider myself to have a few behavioral quirks. An example of some of my quirks are: - I have to lock my vehicle (with remote) three times. - I check my alarm clock a few times before going to bed. - I have to get up at a certain time, be off to work at a certain time, etc, or I have a bad day. - I have to wash my hands immediately after eating at a public place. - ... you get the idea. Looking back at my life, I realized I never had 'OCD issues' before I was a programmer. Looking at other programmers around me I realize many, if not most of them, display characteristics that some would attribute to a form of OCD. Do you have OCD? Do you think it could have anything to do with writing code for so many years?
Paul Brower wrote:
- I have to lock my vehicle (with remote) three times. - I check my alarm clock a few times before going to bed.
These aren't OCD - just familiarity with the fallibility of technology. All programmers have that.
'--8<------------------------ Ex Datis: Duncan Jones Merrion Computing Ltd
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Many people I know would say I suffer from some sort of OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder - for anyone not familiar with the term). I have never been 'diagnosed', nor have I ever sought any kind of treatment or medication, because I just consider myself to have a few behavioral quirks. An example of some of my quirks are: - I have to lock my vehicle (with remote) three times. - I check my alarm clock a few times before going to bed. - I have to get up at a certain time, be off to work at a certain time, etc, or I have a bad day. - I have to wash my hands immediately after eating at a public place. - ... you get the idea. Looking back at my life, I realized I never had 'OCD issues' before I was a programmer. Looking at other programmers around me I realize many, if not most of them, display characteristics that some would attribute to a form of OCD. Do you have OCD? Do you think it could have anything to do with writing code for so many years?
no and no
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Many people I know would say I suffer from some sort of OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder - for anyone not familiar with the term). I have never been 'diagnosed', nor have I ever sought any kind of treatment or medication, because I just consider myself to have a few behavioral quirks. An example of some of my quirks are: - I have to lock my vehicle (with remote) three times. - I check my alarm clock a few times before going to bed. - I have to get up at a certain time, be off to work at a certain time, etc, or I have a bad day. - I have to wash my hands immediately after eating at a public place. - ... you get the idea. Looking back at my life, I realized I never had 'OCD issues' before I was a programmer. Looking at other programmers around me I realize many, if not most of them, display characteristics that some would attribute to a form of OCD. Do you have OCD? Do you think it could have anything to do with writing code for so many years?
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Many people I know would say I suffer from some sort of OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder - for anyone not familiar with the term). I have never been 'diagnosed', nor have I ever sought any kind of treatment or medication, because I just consider myself to have a few behavioral quirks. An example of some of my quirks are: - I have to lock my vehicle (with remote) three times. - I check my alarm clock a few times before going to bed. - I have to get up at a certain time, be off to work at a certain time, etc, or I have a bad day. - I have to wash my hands immediately after eating at a public place. - ... you get the idea. Looking back at my life, I realized I never had 'OCD issues' before I was a programmer. Looking at other programmers around me I realize many, if not most of them, display characteristics that some would attribute to a form of OCD. Do you have OCD? Do you think it could have anything to do with writing code for so many years?
I would say I do not have OCD but probably a few other of these popular diagnosis would apply.
John
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I am hearing voices!
The narrow specialist in the broad sense of the word is a complete idiot in the narrow sense of the word. Advertise here – minimum three posts per day are guaranteed.
Switch the radio off then.
Deja View - the feeling that you've seen this post before.
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Many people I know would say I suffer from some sort of OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder - for anyone not familiar with the term). I have never been 'diagnosed', nor have I ever sought any kind of treatment or medication, because I just consider myself to have a few behavioral quirks. An example of some of my quirks are: - I have to lock my vehicle (with remote) three times. - I check my alarm clock a few times before going to bed. - I have to get up at a certain time, be off to work at a certain time, etc, or I have a bad day. - I have to wash my hands immediately after eating at a public place. - ... you get the idea. Looking back at my life, I realized I never had 'OCD issues' before I was a programmer. Looking at other programmers around me I realize many, if not most of them, display characteristics that some would attribute to a form of OCD. Do you have OCD? Do you think it could have anything to do with writing code for so many years?
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Many people I know would say I suffer from some sort of OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder - for anyone not familiar with the term). I have never been 'diagnosed', nor have I ever sought any kind of treatment or medication, because I just consider myself to have a few behavioral quirks. An example of some of my quirks are: - I have to lock my vehicle (with remote) three times. - I check my alarm clock a few times before going to bed. - I have to get up at a certain time, be off to work at a certain time, etc, or I have a bad day. - I have to wash my hands immediately after eating at a public place. - ... you get the idea. Looking back at my life, I realized I never had 'OCD issues' before I was a programmer. Looking at other programmers around me I realize many, if not most of them, display characteristics that some would attribute to a form of OCD. Do you have OCD? Do you think it could have anything to do with writing code for so many years?
Paul Brower wrote:
An example of some of my quirks are: - I have to lock my vehicle (with remote) three times. - I check my alarm clock a few times before going to bed. - I have to get up at a certain time, be off to work at a certain time, etc, or I have a bad day. - I have to wash my hands immediately after eating at a public place. - ... you get the idea.
That's not OCD. That's just you being an awkward b4st4rd. ;P
Deja View - the feeling that you've seen this post before.
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Many people I know would say I suffer from some sort of OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder - for anyone not familiar with the term). I have never been 'diagnosed', nor have I ever sought any kind of treatment or medication, because I just consider myself to have a few behavioral quirks. An example of some of my quirks are: - I have to lock my vehicle (with remote) three times. - I check my alarm clock a few times before going to bed. - I have to get up at a certain time, be off to work at a certain time, etc, or I have a bad day. - I have to wash my hands immediately after eating at a public place. - ... you get the idea. Looking back at my life, I realized I never had 'OCD issues' before I was a programmer. Looking at other programmers around me I realize many, if not most of them, display characteristics that some would attribute to a form of OCD. Do you have OCD? Do you think it could have anything to do with writing code for so many years?
I check that the cooker & all the plugs are turned off before going to bed. I frequently have to do this more than once to satisfy myself it's done. I am not good at sitting still. I constantly jiggle a leg, or tap a foot while sitting at my desk. I do this a lot, at a restaurant, in the pub, in meetings etc. My wife often has to remind me to stop. I don't think it's OCD. Programming attracts a particular type of mind. So I think it's only natural you'll see lots of similar traits among programmers. I bet a lot of people here can see themselves in a lot of the traits mentioned in this[^] article.
Simon
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Many people I know would say I suffer from some sort of OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder - for anyone not familiar with the term). I have never been 'diagnosed', nor have I ever sought any kind of treatment or medication, because I just consider myself to have a few behavioral quirks. An example of some of my quirks are: - I have to lock my vehicle (with remote) three times. - I check my alarm clock a few times before going to bed. - I have to get up at a certain time, be off to work at a certain time, etc, or I have a bad day. - I have to wash my hands immediately after eating at a public place. - ... you get the idea. Looking back at my life, I realized I never had 'OCD issues' before I was a programmer. Looking at other programmers around me I realize many, if not most of them, display characteristics that some would attribute to a form of OCD. Do you have OCD? Do you think it could have anything to do with writing code for so many years?
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I am a real programmer at least I believe so. I have written over 500K lines of MFC code at my day job in the last 11.5 years.
John
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Many people I know would say I suffer from some sort of OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder - for anyone not familiar with the term). I have never been 'diagnosed', nor have I ever sought any kind of treatment or medication, because I just consider myself to have a few behavioral quirks. An example of some of my quirks are: - I have to lock my vehicle (with remote) three times. - I check my alarm clock a few times before going to bed. - I have to get up at a certain time, be off to work at a certain time, etc, or I have a bad day. - I have to wash my hands immediately after eating at a public place. - ... you get the idea. Looking back at my life, I realized I never had 'OCD issues' before I was a programmer. Looking at other programmers around me I realize many, if not most of them, display characteristics that some would attribute to a form of OCD. Do you have OCD? Do you think it could have anything to do with writing code for so many years?
I certainly do. Here is some code from a recent program of mine. if(a==b){ if(a==b){ if(a==b){ doSomething; } } } Just kidding!
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Word!
"Why don't you tie a kerosene-soaked rag around your ankles so the ants won't climb up and eat your candy ass..." - Dale Earnhardt, 1997
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"...the staggering layers of obscenity in your statement make it a work of art on so many levels." - Jason Jystad, 10/26/2001 -
Many people I know would say I suffer from some sort of OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder - for anyone not familiar with the term). I have never been 'diagnosed', nor have I ever sought any kind of treatment or medication, because I just consider myself to have a few behavioral quirks. An example of some of my quirks are: - I have to lock my vehicle (with remote) three times. - I check my alarm clock a few times before going to bed. - I have to get up at a certain time, be off to work at a certain time, etc, or I have a bad day. - I have to wash my hands immediately after eating at a public place. - ... you get the idea. Looking back at my life, I realized I never had 'OCD issues' before I was a programmer. Looking at other programmers around me I realize many, if not most of them, display characteristics that some would attribute to a form of OCD. Do you have OCD? Do you think it could have anything to do with writing code for so many years?
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I am a real programmer at least I believe so. I have written over 500K lines of MFC code at my day job in the last 11.5 years.
John
John M. Drescher wrote:
I have written over 500K lines of MFC code at my day job in the last 11.5 years.
Pah! Noob. ;P
But fortunately we have the nanny-state politicians who can step in to protect us poor stupid consumers, most of whom would not know a JVM from a frozen chicken. Bruce Pierson
Because programming is an art, not a science. Marc Clifton
I gave up when I couldn't spell "egg". Justine Allen -
Not OCD, but ADHD definitely! I forget to do a lot of things and have trouble listening when people are talking to me, because I expect them to say boring things all the time, and they usually do. :-D On the other hand, when I'm playing a computer game or checking out some interesting CP article, all those troubles magically disappear. :) Oh, wait... I do have OCD behavior. When people say boring things or when I have to wait for something I also repeatedly count to 4 in my head. Sometimes I use my fingers for the same purpose.
Me too. I have a hard time listening to other people because they seem to be saying unintelligent things. I need constant stimulation else I get bored quickly. I say things that other don't immediately understand; some people will understand what I said after a week or so. I am a control freak too. I have to check everything. Many times I'm not sure that I did something, so I do again, and again.... just to really be sure.... Not good for relationships but very good for picking up errors in code and typos in resumes.