Signs You Might Have OCD

Everyone displays obsessive or compulsive tendencies from time to time. But for a small segment of the population, obsessive-compulsive disorder poses a real threat to enjoying a healthy personal and professional life. Here’s what to watch out for.

Like many mental health conditions, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) has become a commonly misused term, often in reference to habits like double-checking that a door is locked or striving to keep a tidy house. In reality, OCD is a serious mental health condition that causes extreme distress that affects life at home, in the workplace, and in social settings.

Finding help is essential, which is why Grace Muthami, PMHNP-BC, and the team at Brightmind Wellness are dedicated to providing top quality care through telehealth visits. Located in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Brightmind Wellness provides services to residents throughout the state, including in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia.

Understanding OCD

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a mental health disorder that lasts for long periods of time. For most people, symptoms come on gradually, over time. This can make it difficult to know when your thoughts and behaviors have crossed the line between being a perfectionist or worrying a lot and a diagnosable condition.

Most people first begin to notice symptoms in childhood or early adulthood. Symptoms can come and go over time, and are often more pronounced when you’re under stress.

Researchers are unaware of the exact cause of OCD. It appears, however, that there may be a genetic component. If you have a close relative who experiences OCD, you may have an elevated risk of developing the condition yourself. There also may be physiological, chemical, or environmental factors at play.

Signs and symptoms of OCD

Understanding the signs of OCD can help you decide when to seek help for yourself or a loved one. It’s important to note that many of the thoughts and behaviors linked to this condition are normal when experienced occasionally. It’s the frequency and severity of symptoms that suggests a problem. Here are some of the symptoms that could indicated OCD if they occur frequently and severely enough.

Obsessive thoughts

Obsessive thoughts occur frequently and seemingly without cause. These thoughts are intrusive and difficult to ignore. Thoughts can occur in the form of a memory, an emotion, a mental image, or an urge.

Some examples of the kinds of obsessive thoughts people with OCD experience include:

Fear of being “dirty” or “contaminated”
Worries about losing control of your behavior
An eExtreme need to have things in a certain order
Difficulty with any type of uncertainty

People with OCD cannot control these thoughts and often begin to embrace behaviors that they believe will relieve the stress that obsessive thoughts bring.

Compulsive behaviors

The behaviors linked to OCD are done in an effort to reduce the anxiety caused by obsessive thoughts. You might engage in a number of different types of compulsive behaviors, or you may find one or two that seem to bring relief.

Some examples of compulsive behaviors linked to OCD include:

Frequent washing and cleaning of your body or living environment
Replaying events in your head over and over
Counting to a specific number
Silently repeating a mantra, prayer, or phrase
Repetitively checking things to feel safe (locking doors, turning off the oven)
Rearranging items in an effort to achieve perfect symmetry or balance

Here again, none of these behaviors is usually a cause for concern. The problem arises when you feel absolutely compelled to perform a behavior, when you spend an hour or more each day performing a behavior, or when your actions begin to interfere with your life.

What should I do if I’m worried about OCD symptoms?

It’s easier said than done, but try to remain calm if you begin to suspect that you or a loved one might be experiencing OCD. There are treatments that can help, including medication and talk therapy. Many people are able to bring their OCD symptoms under control and can achieve goals in all aspects of their lives.

The first step is booking a visit with Grace to discuss your concerns. Brightmind Wellness was founded in the hopes of making psychiatric care more easily accessible. Private, confidential telehealth visits allow you to connect with Grace and explore all available treatment options. Begin today by calling to schedule a visit, or go to our online booking page to find a time that fits your life.