they think i have ocd... do i?

Question

several people in my life think i have ocd, especially my fiance. i dont think i do, but do some irrational things.
for example: when made dinner by someone if the food isnt arranged like normal, even if the beans are the wrong side of the potatoes, i cant eat it, it just feels wrong and until i move it into the correct place i get very worked up.
i get distressed going to places i dont know, i live on the other side of the country now, but wont get my hair cut until i go home, because i have to go to the same shop, and sit in the same place, i dont know why, i just get really anxious at the thought of going somewhere different.
i recheck locks, and the dials on the oven i go from left to right along checking they are all lined up, and if it doesnt feel right, or my pattern goes wrong i have to start again.
any journeys i have to plan in my head, if 1 of the times or patterns are changed i get very distressed.
i do other smaller things, but these are those that affect my most..

Answer 1

It sounds like OCD to me. You certainly wouldn't be wasting your time talking to your GP about it. It's often associated (some would say caused by) low levels of Serotonin (a neuro transmitter - chemical). There are medications that help. If the problem worsens he could refer you to a Behaviour Therapist.
A good book on the subject is "when once is not enough" - by Gail Steketee and Kerrin White. Just checked on Amazon, it's still available.

Answer 2

Not necessarily. The key thing is how much time you spend on these behaviors and if they cause significant problems for your normal daily activies like work, education, social life.

For example: when you check the locks, are you compelled to check them a certain number of times. If you had to check locks exactly 500 times and it took so long it always made you late for work--that would sound like OCD to me.

There is another disorder called "Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder" which is a preoccupation with lists and orderliness to the point that the person has difficulty completing tasks. Another feature of that (which I don't think you mentioned) is having an intense need to be in control of things--having a really hard time doing things with others unless they do it exactly the way you think it should be done.

If it's really bothering you, you might want to make an appointment with a psychiatrist or another medical doctor. A psychiatrist would be best, though.

Answer 3

The web site below will help you decide better than of us here...they list several signs for you to watch for to determine if you may fit the profile...

Answer 4

I have ocd .. i have to have everything my way and if someone doesnt do it i get upset .. you sound like you have ocd but it isnt a bad thing

Answer 5

I think so especially the food thing thats a bit odd.

Answer 6

who cares what they think, as long as you aren't hurting yourself or others. just stay calm when something isn't the way you like it, fix it and go on. everyone has ocd to a certain extent if you think about it.

Answer 7

if everyone in your life is telling you you have it, then you probably have... you dont know any better cuz all you know is a first person perspective on your life... third person perspectives are generally unbiased... they are prolly telling you the truth... why would they lie to you about ocd?

Answer 8

Sounds like it could be OCD. go see ur doctor and get a profesional diagnosis.

Answer 9

You don't have a 'disorder', you have compulsions. Everyone has compulsions, just to different levels. You are compulsive, but you can deal with it. Embrace it and dont let people label you with acronyms.

Answer 10

yes. it bothers you, and it bothers other people.
i think majnun99's answer explains it all
it is best to consult a doctor (an MD, mind you)... a psychiatrist.

goodluck! get well soon! (",)