Workaholics Are More Prone to OCD and ADHD, Says Study Workaholism does not just mean spending long hours on the job. It is an uncontrollable urge or compulsion to be always on toes and work incessantly, despite a severe lack of interest. Simply, workaholic individuals are addicted to work and think twice before spending a leisure time with family and friends. Such people are always busy chasing the deadlines, often leaving behind peace of mind and solace. However, no one knows as to when one crosses the line of being constantly available to working compulsively and becoming a workaholic. Driven by uncontrollable motivation to work, workaholics derive pleasure by investing most of their time in work. As a result, they get drifted away from their family, have no social life and face issues in other important areas of life. Moreover, the work pressure that constantly hovers makes their life difficult and highly challenging. Apparently, those addicted to work become stressed when stopped from working, which increases their risk for various mental disorders, such as anxiety, depression, as well as obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). According to a 2016 Norwegian study, conducted by the University of Bergen and published in PLoS One, “workaholics are 20 percent more likely to have ADHD, 26 percent more likely to have OCD and 6.3 percent more likely to have depression.� Link between overworking and deteriorating mental health According to the study, workaholics have the tendency to take work to a deeper psychological or emotional level, which in turn deteriorates their mental calm and peace. As a result, many of the qualities displayed by workaholics are quite similar to the symptoms of exhibited by those battling with anxiety and OCD, observed the researchers. As part of the study, the researchers evaluated symptoms of workaholism and other psychiatric disorders in 16,426 workers. The researchers included the criteria which were
comparable to different stages of any other form of addiction. For instance, participants who were totally preoccupied by work or using work to alleviate emotional stress were compared to people using substances to alter their mood. Similarly, those working for longer hours were compared to those developing tolerance for the abused substance, while those suffering from emotional and physical distress when unable to work were found to have similar traits as those experiencing drug withdrawal symptoms. The study also took into account various other aspects of workaholism that were comparable to drug addiction, such as:
Sacrificing other obligations, such as personal relationships with partner and children, social activities, exercising, etc., because of work, comparable to conflicts related to drugs. Desiring or attempting to control the number of hours spent working without success, comparable to drug relapse. Experiencing some kind of harm or negative consequence as either a direct or indirect result of the excessive working, comparable to addiction-related problems.
As per the researchers, workaholics are more likely to develop mental disorders like ADHD and OCD, which involve feelings of fear and a high attention to detail. Road to recovery Untreated anxiety disorders, or other mental health conditions, can affect one’s performance, social functioning and relationships, and can lead to more serious mental and physical health problems down the road. If left untreated, this ailment may persist even in adulthood. If you or your loved one is suffering from any form of anxiety, the Florida Helpline for Anxiety can offer help in locating state-of-the-art anxiety treatment centers in Florida that are equipped with evidence-based social anxiety treatment in Florida. Call at our 24/7 helpline number 855-920-9834 to know more about various anxiety disorders treatment in Florida.
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