Warning Signs of OCD
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder characterized by intrusive thoughts that produce uneasiness, apprehension, fear, or worry, by repetitive behaviors aimed at reducing the associated anxiety, or by a combination of such obsessions and compulsions. Commonly OCD includes both obsessions and compulsions.
Obsessions are intrusive and often distressing ideas, thoughts, images, or urges that repeatedly occur in the individual’s mind. In many cases, the individual may try to ignore or suppress such obsessions, or to neutralize them with some other thought or action.
Compulsions are repetitive behaviors that an individual feels driven to perform in order to alleviate the anxiety created by obsessions or to reduce distress or prevent something bad from happening. The most common compulsions involve washing and cleaning, counting, checking, and asking.
The warning signs of OCD can vary from one individual to another. Some of the most common warning signs of OCD include:
• Repeatedly checking things or compulsively counting.
• Having persistent thoughts or images that cause anxiety or distress.
• Experiencing a strong need to perform rituals or routines in order to reduce anxiety.
• Feeling time consuming and excessive worry about mundane matters.
• Having difficulty concentrating or focusing because of intrusive thoughts.
• Being preoccupied with details, rules, and lists.
• Experiencing excessive doubt or fear of making mistakes.
• Feeling the need to avoid certain situations or people.
If you have experienced any of these warning signs and they are impacting your daily life, it is important to seek professional help. A qualified mental health professional can assess your symptoms and provide treatment options to help manage your OCD.