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A previously undocumented special case of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

OCD is defined (DSM-IV), in part:

"Obsessive compulsive disorder is an Anxiety Disorder characterized by complaints of persistent or repetitive thoughts (obsessions) or behaviors (compulsions). The person feels compelled to continue despite an awareness that the thoughts or behaviors may be excessive or inappropriate, and feels distress if they stop them."

"... the behaviors or mental acts are aimed at preventing or reducing distress or preventing some dreaded event or situation; however, these behaviors or mental acts either are not connected in a realistic way with what they are designed to neutralize or prevent or are clearly excessive ..."

ZTD is defined similarly, but with specific marker behaviors ....

Says things like:

• If insurance company says "you shouldn't golf during thunderstorm," then "don't golf" (at all).
• Some apples are rotten, therefore don't eat apples.
• If "undue inducements" are bad, then (all) inducements are bad.
• "... if any one person objects, the (Christmas) tree must come down."
  
  (This allows the "most sensitive" person in town to set policy.)
• "... there are to be no more references in the school yearbook to "students most likely to succeed", "most popular student", or similar references." ("Some of the students left off the list might have their feelings hurt.")
• "... Girl Scouts ticketed for selling cookies without a solicitation permit."
• "... criminal wiretapping charges brought against an honor student for tape-recording a chemistry lecture without the teacher's knowledge."
• "... first-grader suspended for a day for kissing a classmate on the cheek."
• "... students received a one-day suspension for wearing Pepsi T-shirts during the school's official Coca-Cola Day."

• Imposes will on everyone, preferably without submitting to election.
  
  ( If "democracy" is rule by the majority, what is rule by the minority: "minocracy" perhaps? And what is "tyranny by the (easily) offended" -- "offendocracy" perhaps? Just curious.)
• Argues from an unchallengeable position of moral superiority. (Delusion of grandeur?)

Are you infected with ZTD? Here are some key questions.

• Do you have trouble understanding qualifying clauses involving words such as
  • "Normally,"
  • "Usually,"
  • "Typically,"
  • "Some people," and so forth?
• Are you unable to distinguish between concepts such as "worst case" vs. "normalcy"?
• Do you know the difference between "most people" and "everyone"? Really?
• Do you think "equal opportunity" means "equal outcomes"?

• Do you think "everyday risk" means "no risk"?
• Do you believe the world can be made safe for all, including idiots?
• Do you believe the world can be made safe from litigation?

• Are elections, where the majority rules, a problem for you?
• Do you think the rights and feelings of the minority take precedence over those of the majority?

• Are you a paragon of virtue?
• Do you feel superior to most people?
• Do you feel that you know how everyone else should live, 24/7 ?
• No one has ever heard you say "Live and let live."
• Is your definition of "diversity" the only one that is acceptable?
• Do certain words or phrases stimulate you into a frenzy of moral outrage and preaching?

• Do people tell you to mind your own business, perhaps daily, for example
  • "Go freak yourself"
  • "Mind your own business"
  • "You're a meddlesome busybody"
• Do you deny imposing your will on other people?
• Do others express incredulity in your presence, for example
  • "You freaking idiot!"
  • "That's a crock"
  • "Get your head out of your ass"
• Do people often ask "Don't you have something better to worry about?"
• Do people frequently describe you as an "obstructionist"? "busybody?"
• Do you have all the answers to issues such as
  • gun control
  • abortion
  • cloning
  • global warming

• Do others suggest things such as
  • "You need to get a life,"
  • "Get a sense of humor"
• Do people around you laugh at things you don't understand?
• Do people often say to you "I was just joking."?
• Do you often say "That's not funny"?
• Are your frown lines deeper than your laugh lines?
• Do you have trouble defining
  • satire
  • parody
  • sarcasm

• Do you dislike being challenged about your ideas?
• Do you accuse others of being "insensitive" when you dislike the direction a discussion has taken?
• Do you accuse others of being "racist" ("sexist," etc.) to end a discussion?
• Have you ever been described as "professionally offended"?
• Do you think disagreements should be eliminated as opposed to encouraged?
• Do you think criticism is a sign of racism (sexism, homophobia, etc.)?
• Do you think "hurt feelings" are as harmful as physical injuries?
• Do you prefer to work with a captive audience, such as children or a dependent population, rather than independent adults who can ignore you?
• Has anyone ever told you that "You make micromanagement seem like solitary confinement"?

• Do these questions seem silly to you?

What can you do?

• Avoid committees, political positions, special interest groups, and other settings where you will feel obliged to offer your opinion and impose the minority view on everyone.
• Tough love is likely the only way to go.
• Cold turkey or 12 step?
• Cognitive therapy likely ineffective, irrational thoughts simply too ingrained
• Drugs that prevent vocalizing are now in test trials.
• Some colleagues paint a bleak picture for recovery ... slashed wrists may be the only relief. (The ZTD victim, that is, not innocent bystanders.)
• Others have suggested re-investigating lobotomies.

Is a loved one afflicted?

Oh, you poor dear, this is a terrible bind. However, the next time that a loved one opines "I'm offended!", you must promptly and firmly respond "Take two aspirin and call me in the morning."

This is classic medical advice, and thus can hardly be construed as unethical or mean-minded. In the vast majority of cases, as Dr. Kildare and Dr. Freud knew well, the morning will dawn more rationally. If not, just use the classic dandruff shampoo remedy: "Repeat as required." (Two more aspirin, etc.)

The beauty of this strategy is its scale-ability. That is, though clearly useful to help a loved one make a clean break, the two-aspirin rejoinder can be used in ANY circumstance where you feel that rationality has taken a holiday. Go for it -- all together now, "Take two aspirin and call me in the morning!"