Is this a symptom of OCD?

Question

I have this really weird habit of counting letters in phrases and sentences on signs and even spoken words. I count the letters to see if the whole phrase is divisible by certain numbers. When I see a phrase, I can almost instantly tell how many letters are in it. Sometimes I even type the phrase out with my fingers, like on a keyboard. Actually, I started doing it when I learned to type really well. I described this to my family, and found out that my dad has it, too. He's done it since he was a kid, and so have I. We seem to do the exact same thing, from the way he described it. What exactly is it? Is it a symptom of OCD? Do many people do this?

I should have mentioned that it doesn't really interfere with my normal life. It's not hard to stop doing. I can concentrate on other things.

Answer 1

It could be a symptom, but as long as it doesn´t inhibit or restrain you in any way in your daily life, it is most probably not. :)

Especially now you mentioned your dad does similar things, you might not consciously know it today, but might have experienced him doing this as a child.

What you do actually sounds more like your brain isn´t really challenged in the situation and because you have started counting letters / learned how to type, you do that not to waste time, so to speak. It would be closer to an OCD symptom if you had to sit an exam but wouldn´t be able to start answering the question unless you have counted all letters in all sentences, or "re-typed" the whole exam text.

Answer 2

OCD is now on the autism scale, so the doctor told me.
If you need a diagnoses go to the doctors.
If it does not harm you or not a big problem then just "count" yourself lucky.

We have a autistic kid and realize it is hereditary. Nothing wrong with what you do and there are many fazes to such things, mild to sever.
I have done this all my life as well. I count everything. If something is "off" it can get really annoying to me.
Oh start cross stitch, it is a great ride. Have to count everything :0)
Take what life gives you and make a pretty picture :0)

Answer 3

The symptoms of OCD, which are the obsessions and compulsions, may vary. Common obsessions include:

Fear of dirt or contamination by germs.
Fear of causing harm to another.
Fear of making a mistake.
Fear of being embarrassed or behaving in a socially unacceptable manner.
Fear of thinking evil or sinful thoughts.
Need for order, symmetry or exactness.
Excessive doubt and the need for constant reassurance.

Common compulsions include:

Repeatedly bathing, showering or washing hands.
Refusing to shake hands or touch doorknobs.
Repeatedly checking things, such as locks or stoves.
Constant counting, mentally or aloud, while performing routine tasks.
Constantly arranging things in a certain way.
Eating foods in a specific order.
Being stuck on words, images or thoughts, usually disturbing, that won't go away and can interfere with sleep.
Repeating specific words, phrases or prayers.
Needing to perform tasks a certain number of times.
Collecting or hoarding items with no apparent value.

Answer 4

i have moderate OCD and i do the same thing. i count letters and i have to think about how i would type the words in a cell phone. like i would take the word and count how i could type the letters in rythm. counting is the most common ritual of OCD

Answer 5

oh my gosh. i do that. all the time. but when i spell it out i categorise. in my head or on my hands i put vowels on the left column/hand and consonants in the right column/hand. and i have no idea why. i learnt to type really well in like year 3 at school and thats basically when i staretd i think. and then when i try to stop i find myself still spelling the word. but for me i might here someone say a sentence and i only spell one of the words in that sentence. i dont know if its OCD...i hope not considering i wash my hands all the time but subconsciously, i just walk out of a room and wash my hands.
so try not to worry. as long as it isn't effecting your every day life than it doesn't matter. in my opinion.

Answer 6

Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder: Characterized by perfectionism and inflexibility; preoccupation with uncontrollable patterns of thought and action. Constant rewashing the hands Constant rearrangment of objects Constantly checking actions (eg, relocking doors) Repetitive behaviors or mental exercises that the individual feels compelled to do in response to the obsessive thoughts. This behavior is carried out in an effort to prevent or reduce stress and is clearly excessive.

Answer 7

Having weird feelings all the time, usually the person with OCD he/she has it. When they touch one thing with one hand, they must touch it with the other, It is a common problem in his/her brain functioning. Mostly like making things even.

Answer 8

Its quite an autistic thing to do, but as you say it doesn't cause you any problems I wouldn't worry. I doubt it is OCD 'though. My daughter has OCD and her life revolves around avoiding her fears; she constantly checks and re-checks things. She's terrified of dirt and sickness. My son's are autistic, and they are very happy chaps.

Answer 9

I'm guessing that your probably just mathematically interested in a certain area. Either that or ya... OCD...

No i've never done it, or never heard anyone of doing it.

I DO do random math things... like count things... but not often... just when i'm bored.

Answer 10

My dad is OCD and is sitting next to me. He said it sounds like this is a sign. It doesn't sound serious though or anything to worry about.