OCD is one of those terms that some people misuse as a way to describe people who like things super-clean or arranged just so. But if you have the actual situation that’s an obsessive-compulsive disorder, how it affects your life is very real.
OCD generally doesn’t occur all at once. Symptoms start small, and to you, they can seem to be normal behaviors. They can be triggered by a personal crisis, abuse, or something negative that affects you a lot, like the death of a loved one. It’s more likely if people in your family have OCD or another mental health disorder, such as depression or anxiety.
OCD symptoms include obsessions, compulsions, or both.
An obsession is an uncontrollable thought or fears that reason stress. A compulsion is a ritual or action that someone repeats a lot. Compulsions may offer some relief, but only for a little while.
Obsessions often have a theme, such as these:
Theme: Extreme need for order
Symptom: You feel stressed when objects are out of place. It’s really hard for you to leave home until you’ve arranged things in a certain way.
Theme: Fear of germs or dirt
Symptom: You might be scared to touch things other people have touched, like doorknobs. Or you don’t want to hug or shake hands with others.
Theme: Fear of hurting yourself or someone else
Symptom: When you’re thinking of something totally different, you have thoughts about hurting yourself or someone else.
Theme: Excessive doubt or fear of making a mistake
Symptom: You need constant encouragement or reassurance from others that what you’re doing is right or OK.
If you think you might have OCD, see a doctor or a psychiatrist.
The diagnosis process will likely include:
Blood tests to check your blood count, how well you’re thyroid works, and any drugs or alcohol in your system. A psychological test or evaluation about your feelings, fears, obsessions, compulsions, and actions.
One some level, many people have superstitions or rituals, or fear that they left the door unlocked or the oven on before leaving for work or vacation. If you can control those thoughts or think about them logically, it’s probably not OCD. If you can’t control them, or they take up at least an hour of your day and reason problems in your life, it’s a sign that it’s time to get help.