Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder or OCD is a psychological condition in which people experience repeated, intrusive, and unwanted thoughts or sensations, referred to as obsessions, or perform repetitive behaviors or mental acts, called compulsions.

It is a chronic condition that affects around 1-2% of adults in the United States. The severity of OCD symptoms can vary widely, and recognizing the disorder in oneself can be difficult. In this article, we will discuss how to recognize if you have obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Common OCD Symptoms

Obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms can be divided into obsessions and compulsions. Here are some of the most common symptoms of OCD:.

Obsessions

Obsessions are persistent, intrusive, and unpleasant thoughts, urges, or images that disturb and cause anxiety in the person. Some common obsessive thoughts include:.

Fear of contamination or germs
Fear of causing harm to oneself or others
Preoccupation with order, symmetry, or exactness
Intrusive and unwanted sexual thoughts or images
Persistent doubt and uncertainty

Compulsions

Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts aimed at reducing the anxiety caused by obsessions. Compulsions are usually time-consuming and interfere with daily life activities. Some common compulsions include:.

Excessive hand washing or cleaning
Repeatedly checking locks, switches, or appliances
Counting or repeating specific words or phrases
Arranging or organizing objects in a specific way
Mental rituals to neutralize the obsessive thought

How to recognize if you have Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

If you experience intrusive and unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that cause anxiety or distress and if you feel compelled to do specific actions repetitively to relieve the anxiety, you may have obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Here are some signs that will help you recognize if you have OCD:.

You spend an excessive amount of time on your compulsions

If you find yourself spending hours each day performing compulsive behaviors or mental acts, it may be a sign of obsessive-compulsive disorder. For example, if you spend hours washing your hands or checking locks, it might be a symptom of OCD.

You feel significant distress or impairment due to your obsessions and compulsions

If your obsessions and compulsions are causing significant distress and interfering with your daily life activities, it is a sign that you may have OCD.

For example, if you spend so much time cleaning or checking things that you cannot complete other tasks, it might be a symptom of OCD.

You are avoiding certain situations or places due to fear of triggers

If you avoid certain people, places, or situations because they trigger your obsessions or compulsions, it could be a sign of OCD. For example, if you avoid eating in public to avoid the fear of contamination, it might be a symptom of OCD.

You have repeatedly tried to stop your obsessions or compulsions

If you have tried repeatedly to stop or reduce your obsessions and compulsions but failed, it may be a sign of OCD. For example, if you try to resist washing your hands but cannot stop yourself, it might be a symptom of OCD.

Your thoughts or actions are interfering with your daily life activities

If your thoughts or actions are interfering with your daily activities, such as work, school, or social activities, it may be a sign of OCD.

For example, if you spend so much time checking doors that you are late for work every day, it might be a symptom of OCD.

Conclusion

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a chronic condition that can cause significant distress and interfere with daily life activities.

However, treatment options, such as psychotherapy, medications, or a combination of both, can be effective in reducing symptoms and improving people’s quality of life. If you suspect that you have obsessive-compulsive disorder, seeking help from a mental health professional is essential.