Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) can differ from one patient to the next. But one thing is for certain: it’s critical to learn more about the signs and symptoms of this condition to ensure sufferers seek out the help they need.
Below are some of the many ways OCD can manifest in someone’s life.
1. Unwanted Thoughts of Physically Harming Someone
While OCD does not make someone violent, the fear of potentially becoming violent, even by accident, is a common obsession for those with OCD.
For instance, they may have disturbing images replaying in their head of them stabbing someone with a knife, even though they have no motive or desire to do so, or of them running a pedestrian over in their car by mistake.
2. Closing the Door a Certain Number of Times in a Row
Whether it be closing a door to a house or car, someone with OCD may only feel relief if they close the door a specific number of times. They may open and close the door exactly five times, or whatever number it is that makes them feel safe and secure. Closing it too few or too many times can induce even more anxiety and stress in someone with OCD.
3. Extreme Anxiety About Losing Things
Nobody likes to misplace things. But many individuals with OCD may feel extreme stress surrounding losing a belonging, even if it hasn’t happened yet. They may frequently check their purse, bag, or pocket to ensure they have all their belongings on them.
4. Frequently Counting and Recounting
Someone with OCD may have a compulsion involving counting and recounting things. They may not feel completely confident in their counting ability or in their ability to refrain from losing an item, thus feeling the need to count again and again just to make sure.
5. Constantly Rechecking to Make Sure the Door was Locked
Nothing’s worse than thinking you forgot to lock the door. Naturally, one might recheck to make sure. However, for someone with OCD, a thought like this may replay in their head several times, even after checking once. As a result, they may keep checking to make sure the door was truly locked.
6. Excessive Hygiene
Not everyone with OCD is obsessed with cleanliness and fears germs. However, for some sufferers, this symptom is strong. They may frequently wash their hands, take multiple showers a day, or even sanitize frequently.
7. Whispering a Certain Word or Phrase to Achieve Anxiety Relief
Those with OCD may believe that unless they do or say something, something bad may happen to them. Relief of this anxiety may come in the form of needing to say a certain word or phrase outloud to “avoid” whatever punishment they’re trying to avoid.
8. Intrusive Thoughts About Being Recorded or Watched
We all occasionally get a feeling or suspicion that we’re being watched, photographed, or recorded. But someone with OCD may feel this way frequently or all the time. They may worry heavily that someone is watching them from their laptop camera, for instance.
Are you or a loved one suffering from any of the latter? It might be time to consider OCD Treatment.
Conclusion
OCD is a complicated disorder. One sufferer might suffer in quite different ways and have different intensities of symptoms than another sufferer. In the end, there tend to be common signs of OCD and frequent trends that appear in those who have a diagnosis of this condition, which include the latter. Learning these can help people realize that they are not alone.
The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.
