I am a compulsive counter. Count everything, steps, liscence plates, etc... Is this a sign of OCD?

Question

If yes, thank you, if no, what do you think it is?

Answer 1

Yes it is a sign of OCD, and one of have too.

I always assumed everyone counted things, till one day I mention it to my partner and he was a bit confused when I told him it was a 'seven' time (all the numbers in the clock added up to seven - 11:32 for example)

I just count and add everything. Doesn't bother me all that much, it doesn't really interferre with things, I've just got a constant stream of numbers in my head.

I've got other OCD symptoms too - obsessive thinking, cleaning and other 'rituals'. Its an interesting disorder!

Answer 2

I agree that you should only seek help if you think you need it.

I myself found this page by searching "count everything" because I do it too! I was curious if it was maybe a sign of OCD or something else, or if anybody other than myself did this. I found my answer, but after reading different sites about OCD and what not I realized that its not really a problem in my life so much as it is just another quirky part of my personality :)

I bet you have good things come from this - being a "number" person myself I am naturally good at Math, Accounting, and even music. I wouldn't trade any of that for the world, its a part of who I am and actually makes me pretty proud :) Until (if ever) the day comes when I notice it becoming a huge problem, I'm just going to lay off the OCD path.

In short, "why fix it if it isnt broken?"

Answer 3

Most 'normal' people have some obsessive thoughts and some ritualistic behavior in their lives. It's only when their obsessions and compulsions start becoming an overwhelming primary focus in a person's life that a person has clinical OCD. I have certain counting rituals that I have to do as well. It started when I was a kid and I have been doing them ever since, although they have lessened in frequency. Whether it's OCD depends on how it affects your life. Try taking the quiz below to see if you have other characteristics of OCD. Good luck!

Answer 4

Compulsive counting would be regarded as a symptom of OCD.
That part of our minds that works very much like a computer, ie.. it is like a compulsive thinking machine. It wants to be doing something all the time, trying to occupuy our attention, this does not mean there is anything wrong with you, it is just the nature of this thinking machine. Often OCD sufferers experience this activity of thier mind as, the minds need for perfection, rituals, straight lines or numbers, it is also related to superstitious thinking. Try practicing mindfulness, which will help you to regain control over your mind.

Answer 5

Yes. Billy Bob Thornton has the same problem.

You need to get into a program to work with that and associated problems or you'll drive everybody in your life nuts.

Answer 6

I am not sure but one thing you can try is every time you want or you start to count something change the subject and do something else that don't include any counting. See what happens.

Answer 7

if it interferes with your daily life or your safety (too busy counting when you should be driving) then you should probably see someone for it, however if it doesn't bother you or anyone else then I don't see a big problem with it.....I think we all have a little touch of OCD in us somewhere....

Answer 8

OCD can destroy your life if your not careful...Go see a doctor...If you like...Take this online quiz that can help pen point how bad it is...As far as I can see...Your ok...Try not doing it...It helps TRUST ME...If you start stoping your need to count when unnessary...It helps overcome it then maybe you won't have to take med's!!!

Answer 9

I think so.I used to have that too but am much better. Just go see a dr. It's more common than you might think.

Answer 10

Oh ya buddy go get some help it'll make your life so much easier