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Kate Gosselin photo by AP
Kate Gosselin's audience has long speculated she might have clinical OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder). Her soon-to-be-ex-husband Jon Gosselin has accused her on several Jon and Kate Plus 8 episodes of being somewhat of a control freak. Her sister in law, Jodi Kreider has said in the past that Kate is "obsessive about control" which in part explains the falling out between her and other family members.
Although Kate Gosselin has never been officially diagnosed -- that we know of -- Kate's need for perfection is as compelling as it is concerning. One might think that someone with OCD would never dream of having so many children as even small families are a lesson in flexibility, patience and chaos, but "collecting or hoarding" is often associated with subsets of OCD. Some studies suggest that as much as 24% of all OCD individuals are also hoarders. There is a certain sense of control in collecting things. For Kate Gosselin, one has to wonder if some of those "things" might be children? This trait has also been associated recently in the case of Nadia Suleman, the "Octomom", who gave birth to octuplets last spring when she already had 6 children at home.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health:
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, OCD, is an anxiety disorder and is characterized by recurrent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and/or repetitive behaviors (compulsions). Repetitive behaviors such as handwashing, counting, checking, or cleaning are often performed with the hope of preventing obsessive thoughts or making them go away. Performing these so-called "rituals," however, provides only temporary relief, and not performing them markedly increases anxiety.
Living with someone with OCD can leave other family members with an extensive amount of exhaustion and anxiety.
According to Web MD:
OCD is a chronic, or long-term, illness that can take over your life, hurt your relationships, and limit your ability to work or go to school.
OCD can have a negative effect on those who care about you. Family members can become angry and frustrated at the strain the rituals or behaviors put on them. Talk to your doctor about ways your family members can help with OCD.
From Kate's inability to walk on hotel room carpets barefoot, insisting that the children match shoes and clothes for certain occasions, her obsession with her body image, germ phobias, pre-occupation with cleanliness and order, she might be well served seeking some professional advice, if nothing else, for her children. Typically this behavior can be easily controlled through counseling and medication.
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Comments
Nah, she's nowhere near OCD. She's just a type A personality, and the network has made her out to be weirder than she really is. You'd probably act strange too if you were married to a loser like Jon.
WHOA!
I am delighted that a journalist has FINALLY put this to print!
Good for you, Jessica!
I was convinced when she freaked out when there was Play-Doh on the grass!
OCD or just a freak, what does it really matter? Take the show off the air and give the kids some privacy.
I was convinced when she spent a day hysterically scrubbing that refrigerator like Lady Macbeth.
I'm pretty sure I even heard her mumbling, "Out, damned spot! Out, I say!"...
How many episodes had her shrieking like a lunatic for Jon to change the already-dressed-and-ready-to-go kids to satisfy her whim?
She definitely needs therapy.
I hope the kids don't take on any of her traits.
Give Jon custody, and she can visit the kids between talk show appearances!
I also wonder about the 'germs' on hotel floors. And why not want your home to be clean? I think she's doesn't want her kids sick because of something she could have prevented. I'll have to sit beside Kate on this one.
WILL SOMEBODY PLEASE THINK ABOUT THE CHILDRED!!!!!!!!!
So you just Googled a few articles on OCD and decided you can provide a diagnosis based on the fact that the woman won't walk across hotel room floors barefooted? Oh, and she likes to color coordinate her kids? Get over yourself Jessica!
I just don't get it. Why aren't you concerned with the OCD behavior of, say, "The Bachelor" candidates who insist on kissing, and possibly bedding, every woman on the show?
Why is it Kate that is the focus of such vitriol?
Her children obviously are well taken care of.
It boggles the mind why so many on various sites devoted to taking this couple down are intent on levying professional diagnoses (OCD, NPD, etc.) against a woman whom the writers have certainly never treated, and likely never met.
Jeez! The Kate Faithful obviously don't like it when a light shines in their eyes!
She has manic episodes so she can relieve her stress level. It is a coping mechanism for her Narcissistic Personality Disorder. The woman is whacked...
It's pretty hard to argue with this article!
Good one!
Whatever.... hotel rooms do have germs so I don't blame her for not wanting to walk barefoot. Now she has OCD because she wants a clean and orderly house? Who doesn't? As far as obsessed with collecting kids.... the sextuplets happened,she did ask for 6 babies. You really need to get over yourself.
This article is irresponsible. I don't care if you're right or not. You aren't an M.D. you've never had a diagnostic meeting with this individual, and you site definitions as if they were condemnations.
This article is irresponsible. I don't care if you're right or not. You aren't an M.D. you've never had a diagnostic meeting with this individual, and you site definitions as if they were condemnations.
This article is irresponsible. I don't care if you're right or not. You aren't an M.D. you've never had a diagnostic meeting with this individual, and you site definitions as if they were condemnations.
She has the traits most definitely. I doubt she would ever get help.
Love the way the Kate lovers are out in full force. Hold on to the dream that the show will last forever. LOL
OCD?? And she rides around with sloshing potty chairs in her van? Have you seen the soles of her feet? They are FILTHY.
NO WAY does she have OCD, she is a control freak with Narcissistic personality disorder. And yes, I do have a degree in psychology!
* Believing that you're better than others
* Fantasizing about power, success and attractiveness
* Exaggerating your achievements or talents
* Expecting constant praise and admiration
* Believing that you're special
* Failing to recognize other people's emotions and feelings
* Expecting others to go along with your ideas and plans
* Taking advantage of others
* Expressing disdain for those you feel are inferior
* Being jealous of others
* Believing that others are jealous of you
* Trouble keeping healthy relationships
* Setting unrealistic goals
* Being easily hurt and rejected
* Having a fragile self-esteem
* Appearing as tough-minded or unemotional
OCD?? And she rides around with sloshing potty chairs in her van? Have you seen the soles of her feet? They are FILTHY.
NO WAY does she have OCD, she is a control freak with Narcissistic personality disorder. And yes, I do have a degree in psychology!
* Believing that you're better than others
* Fantasizing about power, success and attractiveness
* Exaggerating your achievements or talents
* Expecting constant praise and admiration
* Believing that you're special
* Failing to recognize other people's emotions and feelings
* Expecting others to go along with your ideas and plans
* Taking advantage of others
* Expressing disdain for those you feel are inferior
* Being jealous of others
* Believing that others are jealous of you
* Trouble keeping healthy relationships
* Setting unrealistic goals
* Being easily hurt and rejected
* Having a fragile self-esteem
* Appearing as tough-minded or unemotional
I do all those things too as hotel floors are filthy. I am a microbiologist and I also have a degree in phychology and Kate does not have OCD,or a narcissistic personality disorder. Denny sounds like he does. Usually those who accuse are guilty themselves. Seriously Denny, GET HELP!!!
I agree with AC. The writer of this article is a lunatic. Get a life.
I cannot believe some of the people who write these articles and how they keep their jobs. And the hateful commenters, you all deserve and will rot in Hell!!! Burn baby burn! Go Kate!
There is a blogger by the name of David Photog and he has OCD. He is obsessed with Kate and his hate for her. He is on every site posting his hate. I just did a scan of some sites to see if he was on them and he is all over the internet posting his insane comments. I think Kate should get someone to investigatte this guy or girl pretending to be a guy as he/she has serious issues. He is stalking her on the internet. Get help David Photog.
Mike - 3 things
1. I am female
2. Hotel floors, phones, remote controls and bedspreads are FILTHY.
3. I can spell psychology.
I have never let my children go barefoot in hotel rooms either! You never know what has been on them or how clean they are. That doesn't mean I have OCD.
I think the author is way off base!
I like Kate. So what if she likes things clean? Most of us do like things clean. Everyone has quirks that is what makes people interesting.
PS the show is MUCH better when Jon isn't on it!!
Kate is a control freak & everything is alllll about her..me me me..she has some kind of problem. Jon is wimpy & non motivated unless he is around 23 year olds .....GET OVER YOURSELVES BOTH OF YOU ...YOU BOTH ARE NOT THAT YOUNG ANYMORE .....yes Jon we know ..your 32 Act Like it ... Kate SHUT UP GROW UP AS WELL. ...HOTEL ROOMS ..helll they are not clean !!! Poor Kids // Stupid Jon & Kate
I like the Lady Macbeth Kate comment!
she goes nuts over stains on the kids clothes. They couldn't eat ice cream for fear it might get on their clothes. Over time she became so nuts I no longer watch the show.
I was married to an OCD, and it was very hard. But, one thing to remember is someone with OCD is a prisoner within their own mind. They are in pain. They are miserable, and they lash out because of their misery. I'm neither a Kate nor Jon supporter, but I don't support criticizm against someone who MAY have an OCD disorder.
Kate lovers make me laugh.
I heard she got turned around at the gates of the children's house and when she called the cops they asked her to leave.
AWESOME and SOOOOO deserved. How DARE she show up to see the kids on Jon's weekend. Newsflash: The well-being of your children is not SOLELY your responsibility. It is a responsibility that must be SHARED.
Oh...now all of a sudden you don't like the guy you chose to share the duty of raising children with? Too bad, sister...too bad, he's still the daddy and it's still joint custody...HA! I love watching controlling people not get their way.
first of all, she has 8 kids... all under the age 9... I would be a clean freak too! if she wasnt then her house would be a disaster... and as for her OCD being why she had so many kids... they were planning for 1 more. not 6 more!
Hotels are filthy??...well so is any door you've ever touched, the money you get as change, your kids after they've come from Daycare, restaurant ware, ketchup packets, Slurpee dispensers, keyboards, your bosses hand, beach sand and water, community hand sanitizer at work/home, that Hotel room door, the garbage can you drag to the corner, everything you've ever touched in the grocery store, every soda can, stadium seats, your car,PEOPLE THIS IS WHY WE HAVE IMMUNE SYSTEMS! Kate lovers give it up she is the reason for the divorce, her attitude was not going to fly forever, and it's not just her attitude with Jon, she shows this behavior with people that help her. Her mistake is she ignored her husband, she was not thankful for him and rather than communicating she barked orders. I do feel for her. I know she's hurting but you know how the saying goes 'you learn too late', it's time to pick yourself up Kate, TAKE OFF THE RING sister it looks silly...oh your ex was s3x deprived!
Kate, remember this in your future relationship. You can't talk AT man, you should have talked TO him, listened to him, seen his ongoing frustration. I saw it and I knew this was coming. Jon hasn't been talked to in years. It's a shame, but most importantly...see your faults in your kids and try to correct them now (Mady is just like you watch out), they are little husbands and wives that you don't want to make the same mistakes you did. It's not JUST about the kids when you have a mate. It is a balance.
A DEGREE. LOL. I KNOW MANY WITH THAT SAME DEGREE AND THEY ARE SOME OF THE MOST SCREWED UP PEOPLE AROUND! They ALL show severe "degrees" of NPD.
Kate, remember this in your future relationship. You can't talk AT man, you should have talked TO him, listened to him, seen his ongoing frustration. I saw it and I knew this was coming. Jon hasn't been talked to in years. It's a shame, but most importantly...see your faults in your kids and try to correct them now (Mady is just like you watch out), they are little husbands and wives that you don't want to make the same mistakes you did. It's not JUST about the kids when you have a mate. It is a balance.
The article is totally out of line as most of the haters are. Comments from Denny are really stupid. Each example you set forth can be attached to anyone displaying the slightest emotion in any given category, especially by someone who dislikes the person...they will take something and run with it...make a mountain out of a mole hill. Any real therapist would know you do not draw such resentful conclusions. Denny it says alot about your angry sounding self.
Kate haters make me laugh. then I see they need pity. such low self esteem.
You share custody moron, but not with a slut in tow.
What's with the 5 yr olds still wearing bibs when they eat?
Tell me THAT'S not part of her OCD!!!
It's not!
When (not if) the book comes out from the "behind the scenes" people, it will be an instant best-seller!
No offense, but Kate wouldn't care because most of her fans can't read.
The woman has 8 kids for crying out loud! How can she not be a little OCD, anyone would be with that many kids. I think she does a great job, especially now since Jon just decided to wimp out and bail on her.
John is so lazy. If it wasn't for Kate keeping her house and children clean. He would have nothing. I would never let my children walk bare foot in hotel rooms. Whats wrong with a 5year old using a bib I am 75 years old and I use one. I sure don't want stained clothes to wear or spend all day trying to get the stains removed, John is a creep.
Holly - Try and keep up with the rest of us, honey!
Jon made a public statement that Kate pulled the plug on the marriage because it interfered with her career.
Kate has never refuted that.
Maybe you're one of those Kate fans Henri said can't read?
FINALLY someone is writing about Kate's personality traits!! Has anyone seen the other sextuplet story? "Raising Sextuplets" I love that couple and their family. They are the polar opposite of Jon & Kate. Kate's freaky ways became too difficult to watch. She freaked when the kids spilt food, ice cream or anything on their clothes. She freaks when the children don't have matching outfits/shoes. She freaks when everyone doesn't follow her schedule. She freaked when Jon was trying to build beds/lay carpet/paint a room/build storage racks in the garage/followed her EVERY command. Then she struggled to apologize when she was wrong. Her perfectionist ways drove me away from the show. I channel surf. When the kids are on, I watch. When Kate appears, I change the channel. Simple solution to crazy antics.
TEAM KATE!!!! Do NOT compare Kate to Octo-Mom, Kate only had 2 children at home, as opposed to Octo-Mom's 6 who were, by the way living at their grandmas house still!!! Plus, Kate had a supposed husband at home-PLEASE people comparing the 2 is just INSANE!Octo-Mom is a lazy,dirty, freak
What is this your buisness or your right? And I find it PAST over the line that you are diagnosing people in your little blog. I am reporting you on your little report article button and am then writing to your manager - this is way past what a NEWS site should be doing.
To Report this: Report T H I S!
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