Investigators knew about past disagreements between the couple, but neither had any arrests on domestic violence charges. Doyle said he had never seen Wilkes hurt his daughter, but would not say whether he knew of any past instances when Wilkes had hurt or threatened her. Tony Maltese, who lives next door, said he had heard the couple arguing inside twice in the past few months but never saw any violence. He said the neighborhood is saddened by Deborah Wilkes' death but also relieved that her husband admitted to killing her. Studies have shown that between 2 percent and 8 percent of Americans suffer from obsessive-compulsive disorder, said Clearwater psychiatrist John Mike.
People can have one trait, such as repeatedly locking doors or washing their hands.
In more severe cases, they may follow a pattern of compulsive behaviors, from counting each tile they step on to showering several times a day or washing their hands until they are red and peeling. It can take an hour to leave the house, because you keep returning to lock the door. The disorder, which has been linked to low levels of serotonin in the brain, can be treated with medication and behavioral therapy, Mike said. St. Petersburg Times. All rights reserved.