I'm a bit of a perfectionist and I have some weird needs for things to be equal. For example, If I'm paying attention, I have to chew equally with both sides of my mouth which is why I often take an even amount when I reach for a handful of m&ms or grapes. When I walk down the sidewalk or through a parking lot I often feel the need to step over cracks in the cement equally with both feet. Same thing with tile floors. If I spin aroud in a circle, I feel the need to spin back as if I'm twisted in the air. I can avoid doing these things if I'm distracted from thinking about them but It's just something I've always done. would it be considered a minor case of ocd?
2007-02-11 13:44:07 · 9 answers · asked by Sarah 4 in Health ➔ Mental Health
With OCD, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, the compulsions and obsessions you have tend to interfere with your life to the point that you can't get things done, etc. You cannot stop yourself from doing these rituals- you have anxiety if you can't complete the rituals. I would say you don't have OCD, but may have Obsessive Compulsive Personality Traits (Disorder) which is having certain "traits" siimilar to OCD, but they don't interfere with your everyday life, and for the most part you can function even if you have to do certain things. You should discuss it with your doctor though for a definitive diagnosis. I have a thing with counting- I count everything- have since i was about 9-10. And I count, not by 1's, but by groups of 3's and 4's (sometimes 2's)- 3,6,9, etc. And I use my toes to count- when iam counting mentally, i tap my big toe (3) and then my little toe (6) and back to my big toe again (9)- it's weird and hard to explain. It's just something I have always done- but it doesn't interfere with my life- I am not constantly doing it- just when i am bored or something catches my eye or I am anxious. There are other things too- but that's the big one- I count EVERYTHING. From the lines that make up numbers on a digital clock, to the letters in words, to tiles on a ceiling, etc. ANyway, talk with your dr. but i doubt it is OCD, if it doesn't cause you any daily difficulties. Good luck.
2007-02-11 20:22:08 · answer #1 · answered by Jennifer S 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I find myself doing that sometimes. Not quite to the extent that you're talking about, but I certainly know what you mean.I agree w/ the second person who answered your question; it might just be a weird habit. I don't think I'm ocd, but I'm not much of a perfectionist either. You're right, avoiding these things is much easier when I'm completely distracted. I used to do it a lot more, but now it's just every once in a while, but I'm not worried about a thing. So what if you're a little obsessive compulsive? We all stress about something, and the things you and I stress about happen to be... well... unique. You know how when some people aren't paying attention they start twisting their hair, or something like that? Weird habit, too if you ask me.
If you still aren't sure, or it just bothers you, see a doctor for yourself. If you do happen to be (unlikey), then there are a whole lot of OCD's, huh?
2007-02-11 13:58:29 · answer #2 · answered by Sara 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have OCD and those are a couple of the things I do. I can't stop myself from doing it though. If I concentrate all my energy I can not do it sometimes. I have many other symptoms though, such as obsessive "intrusive" thoughts, etc.
I can't diagnose you as I am not a doctor nor do I have training. I would recommend talking to a real doctor. I would think it may be mild OCD, but I don't really know. Generally the rule with diagnosing anything is that it has to interfere with everyday life to the point where it is causing you real problems.
Hope this helps :)
2007-02-11 17:40:39 · answer #3 · answered by Erica 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it sounds like it could be a mild case of it. The only way to find out for sure is to go and see a doctor.
I have things that I just have to do and I often do them without paying attention. My feet always have to be in step with the person I am next to. If I touch something with my left side, it has to be touched with my right. If I touch it with my right, it has to be touched with my left. I know what you mean about being "twisted." I don't necessarily have to "untwist" myself, but if I touch something and turn it, I have to turn it the other way also.
I don't really think it is OCD. For myself, I just think I am preoccupied.
2007-02-11 13:55:04 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, probably a mild case of OCD but unless it interferes with your life you certainly don't need a doctor. A little quirkiness never hurt anyone. Now, if it grow to the point where it intereferes with your ability to hold down a job or something then I'd get treatment.
2007-02-11 14:20:40 · answer #5 · answered by laurie888 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
im no expert but i would think that if u dont always have to do it and it doesnt take away from other things, you shouldnt worry yourself about it. "for each action, there is a reaction" and maybe you are just sensitive to that. i have some "equal" kinds of things too. boy, if everybody told of their little "ins and outs" things wouldnt seem so out of the ordinary. take care and love yourself :) best to you!
2007-02-11 14:44:06 · answer #6 · answered by AlwaysWondering 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It might just be, or it could just be a habit. Usually with OCD, you just have to do it and thats it. Try doing those things and thinking about it while your doing it and see if you can stop it, then you'll know.
2007-02-11 13:49:44 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't worry at all!!!
2007-02-11 13:52:14 · answer #8 · answered by truebeing3030 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you have it you should go to the doctor
2007-02-11 13:48:57 · answer #9 · answered by teddybear34565 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋