Obsessions/Compulsions?

Question

Does anyone recognize that they suffer from OCD? If so what rituals do you feel compelled to repeat? (For example, I have to touch doorhandles and the space in between double doors every time I walk by them, and I find myself counting objects repeatedly.)

Answer 1

First, it is not true that if you recognize that your actions are pointless or strange, you don't have OCD. Most OCD people do recognize this.
I am constantly counting to myself, so much so that I don't even think it's conscious some of the time. I have "favorite" numbers and "lucky" numbers, and I always try to end on one of those. I literally count EVERYTHING--how many swallows I take from a bottle, how many times I pet the dog's head. Everything. And I am a great list maker; I have lists of lists. And, unfortunately, I have the hoarding form of OCD, which is very difficult to live with and for other people to tolerate. Even after I have crossed off every item on a list, I don't throw it away. I can't. And I hoard books and magazines and newspapers. For years and years. And I overbuy at the grocery store, which means my fridge is always too full and food spoils before I can use it. I have a hard time making decisions and choosing between options. I will buy a shirt in every color, or yogurt in every flavor, so that I won't have to decide.
I used to have many of the "checking" behaviors that other people describe, but now I have been on more than one med for awhile to address the OCD, and the checking has eased up a little. I used to repeatedly check door locks, stove burners, whether faucets were turned off or lights were turned off. Not so much lately.
This is a wonderful site for anyone who suffers from OCD hoarding:

Answer 2

I just figured out I have OCD. I get up at 5:27 Every morning (If I don't get up at that time, I feel like crap). Sometimes I take 2 showers in the morning if I don't 'feel clean'. Before I leave for work, I make sure I have the items I need (like my blackberry) and while in the car I double check my items again to make sure I didn't forget anything. When I leave the house, I make sure all doors are locked and the alarm is on. I also check all windows, and do an outside inspection to make sure there is no way my house can be burglarized. When I get home I usually do my bills (I add things over and over to make sure the number is right) and at night I usually clean the house from top to bottom.

Answer 3

I touch doorhandles; wash my hands continuously (like, everytime I walk by a sink); count everything; keep a super detailed calendar/planner; count things over & over; check & recheck locked doors; check & recheck the curling iron, stove, heat/AC, etc

I am extreme OCD. I also have the panic attacks that go with OCD.

I can't touch certain foods; I can't eat if anyone touches my food; I won't eat anything I think is "touched" at a restaurant (it's almost impossible for me to eat out); I disinfect everything, doorknobs, shopping cart handles, etc.

And the first replier is not correct in saying if you recognize you don't have it. You do have to be diagnosed by a dr, but most people with anxiety/OCD DO notice. It's one of the few disorders that the person affected by KNOWS something's off, but can't stop it.

Answer 4

I count steps (stairs). If I do something on one side of my body, I often have to do it to the other side to make it even. I am getting better about that. I have to twist a door knob like seven times to make sure it is locked. Then I walk away and walk back, unlock it, lock it, and do it again. Sometimes I make it all the way to my truck before I walk back :)

I used to be a lot worse when I was a kid, like skipping to make up steps with one foot to make it even with the other. And stepping on cracks with the same parts of my feet, stuff like that.

I think I'm growing out of it, but people still like to make fun of me. Sometimes they'll "make it even" for me, by touching my other arm or whatever. 'Cause if they don't do it, I will. And they know that. Ahh, it's amusing. :)





p.s. By the way, have you ever seen Monk? EXCELLENT show.

Answer 5

i was just told that i have obsession/compulsions/disorder this week i never did think about but when the Dr. explaned it to me then i thought maybe she is right. But what i do is really different from what everone here is doin. But like ever one else here i cant stop doin it because when i do it i feel better.I wont say what it is i do but if you want to know send me an e-mail and i will tell you about it

Answer 6

I have to continuously wash my hands, I have to clean the house everyday with a barage of cleaning products which include bleach for everything, I count contastanly, things have to be in even numbers

Answer 7

Come to think of it....Someone who had watched me arrange and rearrange items on cabinets, tables, etc. mentioned I had ocd. I am treated it for it, but can't say it does much good. And yes. I also wipe off doorknobs, and I constantly have to check water faucets - turned off and clean.

Answer 8

if you are aware of those actions you don´t really have an ocd, everybody finds themselve doing strange things every now and then