What Are the Main Signs of OCD

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Recognising the signs of OCD early on is crucial for seeking appropriate help and support.

OCD can manifest in various ways, but common signs include excessive hand washing, checking, organising, or the need for symmetry and order. Individuals may experience intense anxiety if they are unable to perform their rituals, leading to a cycle of obsessions and compulsions that can interfere with daily life.

Identifying these signs involves paying attention to patterns of behaviour that go beyond normal habits and significantly impact a person’s quality of life. If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, understanding them as potential indicators of OCD can be the first step toward seeking professional diagnosis and treatment

What are common signs of OCD

Common signs of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) include both obsessions and compulsions. These symptoms can vary widely among individuals, but here are some of the most common signs:

Obsessions (Intrusive Thoughts):

• Fear of Contamination: Intense worry about germs, dirt, or being contaminated by touching objects or people.
• Fear of Harm: Persistent fears of causing harm to oneself or others, either accidentally or intentionally.
• Unwanted Sexual or Violent Thoughts: Disturbing thoughts or images that are distressing and go against a person’s values.

Compulsions (Repetitive Behaviours):

• Excessive Cleaning or Hand Washing: Repeatedly washing hands or cleaning objects to reduce the fear of contamination.
• Checking: Frequently checking things, such as locks, appliances, or switches, to ensure safety or correctness.
• Counting: Repeating actions a certain number of times or counting objects or actions to prevent something bad from happening.

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Having obsessive thoughts

Having obsessive thoughts means experiencing persistent, intrusive, and unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that repeatedly enter your mind and cause significant anxiety or distress. These thoughts often feel uncontrollable and can be very distressing, as they are typically at odds with a person’s values, beliefs, or desires.

Characteristics of Obsessive Thoughts

• Unwanted Nature: People with obsessive thoughts usually recognize that these thoughts are irrational or excessive, but they find it hard to stop them. The thoughts are often disturbing or upsetting.
• Associated Anxiety: Obsessive thoughts are typically accompanied by intense feelings of anxiety, fear, or guilt. The more a person tries to suppress or control these thoughts, the more anxious they may feel.

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What are some examples of obsessive thoughts?

• “The books on my shelf are out of order. If I don’t arrange them perfectly, something bad will happen.”
• “What if I left the stove on, and it causes a fire?”
• “What if I’ve committed a sin and didn’t realise it? I need to confess or seek forgiveness immediately.”
• “What if I don’t wash my hands well enough, and I get sick?”

Carrying Out Compulsive Behaviours

Compulsive behaviours are repetitive actions or mental rituals that a person with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) feels driven to perform in response to their obsessive thoughts. The primary purpose of these behaviours is to reduce the anxiety or distress caused by the obsessions or to prevent a feared event from occurring. Compulsions can provide temporary relief, but they do not address the root of the obsessive thoughts, often leading to a cycle of repeating these behaviours.

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What are some examples of compulsive behaviour?

Cleaning and Washing:

Cleaning Surfaces: Excessively cleaning surfaces, such as countertops, doorknobs, or floors, to eliminate perceived contaminants.
Showering or Bathing: Taking long, ritualistic showers or baths multiple times a day to feel “clean” or reduce anxiety about contamination.

Reassurance:

Reviewing Tasks: Continuously rechecking completed tasks (such as sending emails, doing homework, or completing work reports) to ensure there are no mistakes.
Verifying Safety: Repeatedly checking on loved ones or pets to ensure they are safe, often driven by fears of harm or accident.

Ordering and Arranging:

Arranging Items: Organising objects, such as books, clothes, or personal belongings, in a precise order or symmetrical arrangement until they feel “just right

If you or someone you know is struggling with obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviours, don’t wait to seek help, there are online OCD tests that can be. Remember that OCD is a treatable condition, and early intervention can make a significant difference in managing symptoms and improving quality of life.