OCD? I'm not sure.?

Question

The problem I'm having doesn't have much to do with cleanliness/organizing things (well, I do have this thing about keeping my hands clean and washed),it has more to do with the thoughts I am having.When I was a bit younger, I'd have these unwanted thoughts that just wouldn't go away. Now it's like, I'll imagine doing/saying/writing something inappropriate, embarassing, dangerous, bad,etc.and later on really BELIEVE that I did it, and constantly worry about what people are going to think about me if I did in fact do it. I know for a fact that I didn't do anything like that at all, but I can't help THINKING that I did. For example, if I'm driving in my car, and I see someone walking or biking on the side of the road and I pass them, I can't help but think that I hit them or something even if I know for a fact that I didn't, so I check to see if they are still there(alive).Even when I am writing someone an email message or writing up an essay, I have to make 2 copies to make sure.

Answer 1

Yeah, you are having some signs of OCD. Sometimes they can be transient, like the child washing their hands constantly for a couple months or the child checking to see if they door is locked 3 times before walking away. But when these thoughts carry into adulthood and advance to interfering with your normal daily function, then further treatment is usually recommended. Most docs can give you some simple medication that will help deter these thoughts. The medicine are not tranquilizers or anything, and they don't make you a zombie or anything. And sometimes some simple cognitive therapy can help you overcome these thoughts. But I would recommend seeing your doc and telling them about your worries. Believe me, you are the first and won't be the last. I've dealt with many different types of OCD and have seen many helped greatly and returned to normal daily function. And I've also seen mild cases that needed very little help at all.

But overall, it may be difficult, but I would recommend seeing your doc - they will understand. And you will be able to get these things taken care of before then worsen and become even more bothersome for you.

You will get through this. Good luck!

Answer 2

I just took a psychology test in class the other day and it was over this very subject. The definition for OCD that I had taken from class says this...

Obsession aspect -
repeated intrusive thoughts that are uncontrollable and irrational.
Also checking things over and over to make sure, checking locks and stoves etc. Counting everything and cleaning.

Compulsion aspect -
Anything that helps to relieve those unwanted thoughts. Usually this action (checking, counting, etc.) only relieves the anxiety for a short while and will have to be repeated when the thoughts reoccur

Sounds like OCD to me.

Answer 3

Hmm. I'm only a Psych student but I'll give this my best guess. By the sounds of it...you do have an OCD. I took the following from wikepedia.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a psychiatric disorder; more specifically, it is an anxiety disorder. OCD is manifested in a variety of forms, but it is most commonly characterized by a subject's obsessive, distressing, intrusive thoughts and related compulsions (tasks or rituals) which attempt to neutralize the obsessions.
The phrase "obsessive-compulsive" has worked its way into the wider English lexicon, and is often used in an offhand manner to describe someone who is meticulous or absorbed in a cause. Such casual references should not be confused with obsessive-compulsive disorder; see clinomorphism. It is also important to distinguish OCD from other types of anxiety, including the routine tension and stress that appear throughout life. A person who shows signs of infatuation or fixation with a subject/object, or displays traits such as perfectionism, does not necessarily have OCD, a specific and well-defined condition.
To be diagnosed with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, one must have either obsessions or compulsions alone, or obsessions and compulsions, according to the DSM-IV-TR diagnostic criteria. The Quick Reference to the diagnostic criteria from DSM-IV-TR (2000) describes these obsessions and compulsions:
Obsessions are defined by:
Recurrent and persistent thoughts, impulses, or images that are experienced at some time during the disturbance, as intrusive and inappropriate and that cause marked anxiety or distress.
The thoughts, impulses, or images are not simply excessive worries about real-life problems.
The person attempts to ignore or suppress such thoughts, impulses, or images, or to neutralize them with some other thought or action.
The person recognizes that the obsessional thoughts, impulses, or images are a product of his or her own mind.
Compulsions are defined by:
Repetitive behaviors or mental acts that the person feels driven to perform in response to an obsession, or according to rules that must be applied rigidly.
The behaviors or mental acts are aimed at preventing or reducing distress or preventing some dreaded event or situation; however, these behaviors or mental acts either are not connected in a realistic way with what they are designed to neutralize or prevent or are clearly excessive.
In addition to these criteria, at some point during the course of the disorder, the sufferer must realize that his/her obsessions or compulsions are unreasonable or excessive. Moreover, the obsessions or compulsions must be time consuming (taking up more than one hour per day), cause distress, or cause impairment in social, occupational, or school functioning (Quick Reference from DSM-IV-TR, 2000). OCD often causes feelings similar to that of depression.

Answer 4

It's time for some serious counseling.

Your mind is working WAY TOO much overtime !!!!

What do you think OCD is, anyway? Having obsessive thoughts OR actions. And I think your thought processes have just told us about these obsessive thoughts you are having, going around and around in circles! Time to get help before you drive yourself crazy (you are definitely on your way--get help NOW !!!!)

You need to stop that little voice in your head (& don't EVEN ask the question "what little voice?")

This is no joke! Get help immediately !

Answer 5

Sounds to me like generalized anxiety disorder than OCD. I would talk to your doctor about it and see what heshe suggests.

Answer 6

not ocd, but definately needs to be discussed with a professional

Answer 7

please see a mental health professional they will be able to help you. ocd is a very real illness