If you've ever experienced a compulsion to double-check items or an uneasy feeling when they're out of order you may be wondering if this is simply a habit or something more. Those who suffer from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) may experience unwanted thoughts or a persistent need to perform particular behaviours.

People who are afraid of germs, for instance, may frequently wash their hands. Even if they are aware that the door is locked some people may find themselves continually checking. In this blog, we will be talking about 15 Signs You Have OCD.

Knowing what the symptoms are like will help you determine whether your behaviour is normal or needs further attention. Have you or someone you know displayed any of these symptoms?

Signs You Have OCD

People who suffer from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) are unable to control their thoughts or behaviours even though they would like to. Someone may start repeating actions or worrying excessively as a result of it.

You can determine whether you or someone you know needs help by being aware of the symptoms of OCD.

1. Regularly Inspecting Locks

Even though you know the doors are locked, if you find yourself constantly checking the locks, it may be Common signs and symptoms of OCD.

This behaviour is a result of a deep-seated fear that should the door remain unlocked bad things will happen. You check, but the worry persists, so you check once more.

Pro tip: To help lessen the impulse to keep checking, try establishing a routine such as saying aloud It's locked.

2. Too Much Hand Washing

Even when your hands are clean, repeatedly washing them can be one of the Signs You Have OCD. There is a possibility that you will become ill or experience some sort of negative event if you choose not to wash them.

This may result in a lot of time spent washing and drying sore hands.

Pro tip:- Establish and strive to maintain a daily limit on the number of times you wash your hands. To keep your skin protected use a moisturiser.

3. Fear Of Germs

You may avoid touching things or being around people if you have an excessive fear of germs which can be Common signs and symptoms of OCD.

Even in secure environments, you may have persistent concerns about becoming ill or unclean. You might not be able to enjoy routine activities because of this fear.

Pro Tip: Remember that not all germs are dangerous and start small by touching objects that don't seem too frightening. This can help you feel less afraid over time.

4. Symmetry Is Required

It can be one of the Signs You Have OCD if you experience extreme discomfort when something isn't precisely aligned or balanced. Making sure that objects on a desk or pictures on a wall are exactly right may take a lot of time.

You may become anxious over even the smallest differences until everything appears or feels the same. For instance, you might keep moving the books around on a shelf until there is exactly equal space between each one and they all line up exactly.

5. Fear of Doing Damage To Others

If you are wondering about How to identify the signs of OCD in yourself or others? Then, if you constantly worry that you might unintentionally hurt someone, even though it's highly unlikely, is a sign of OCD or bipolar disorder. Because of this fear, you might steer clear of certain situations or think twice before acting.

Though you know it's unlikely the idea keeps coming to mind. Take cooking as an example. You might not want to cut yourself inadvertently and risk hurting someone else who is assisting you.

6. Moving Things Around

Having an obsession with maintaining items such as clothing or books in a particular order may be one of the Signs You Have OCD. It could take you a long time to arrange things in different configurations until you get the perfect arrangement.

You may feel better for a while after doing this but the urge usually returns. To ensure that everything is in the precise order you like, you might, for instance, constantly arrange your clothing according to colour or size.

7. Requiring Things To Feel Just Right

It may be a sign you have OCD if you frequently get anxious when something doesn't seem quite right. Even if no one else finds anything wrong you may revise or rework tasks until they feel just right.

It can be difficult to ignore this uncomfortable feeling when it is strong.

Pro Tip: Attempt to keep in mind that everything need not be flawless for things to be alright. Acknowledge minor flaws at first then work on more significant ones gradually.

8. May Get Intrusive Thoughts

Wondering How to identify the signs of OCD in yourself or others? Well, Unwanted unsettling ideas or images that persistently cross your mind are known as intrusive thoughts. It can be challenging to ignore or get rid of these thoughts even though you don't want them.

These ideas frequently contradict your beliefs and values which can be very stressful and anxious.

Pro tip:- Work on staying in the now and remember that you are not defined by your thoughts. Consulting a therapist can also be helpful.

Read: Ways To Control Overthinking

9. Over Cleaning Things

Cleaning an object or area more than once, even if it's already clean, is referred to as excessive cleaning and this habit of yours can be one of the Top indicators that you might be struggling with OCD. You may fear that if you stop cleaning bad things will happen.

You might get exhausted and irritated from this since it can consume a lot of your time and energy.

Pro tip:- Establish a time limit and adhere to it when cleaning. To help break the habit, gradually cut down on the amount of time you spend cleaning.

10. Seeking Perfection All The Time

Seeking perfection all the time means attempting to make every task—no matter how small—perfect. You may spend a lot of time editing or reworking small details that others would miss which can be Top indicators that you might be struggling with OCD. This obsession with perfection can lead to stress and make it difficult to complete assignments on time.

As an illustration, you might rewrite the same essay several times in an attempt to find the ideal words even though the initial draft was already sufficient.

11. Confused About Relationships

Persistently doubting whether you or the other person truly love you is a sign of excessive doubt about relationships. These uncertainties can be unsettling and make it difficult to enjoy the relationship which are also the Early warning signs of obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Every interaction could be scrutinised excessively by you in an attempt to spot red flags.

For instance, you might worry that your feelings aren't strong enough or ask your partner if they love you over and over again, even when there's no cause for concern.

12. The Habit Of Forgetting Things And Information

You constantly go through papers, notes and files to make sure you haven't missed anything because of your fear of losing important information which is also one of the Early warning signs of obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Even when everything is fine this fear may cause you to spend a lot of time reviewing items you've already checked.

For example, even after you've thoroughly reviewed the email, you might read it more than once before sending it because you're afraid you missed something crucial.

13. Want Reassurance For Everything

Asking people if everything is alright or if you did something correctly is a sign that you need reassurance which can be one of the Behavioural patterns that indicate you may have OCD. The desire for validation stems from uncertainty or the apprehension of making an error.

You can ask again if your concerns resurface even after someone has reassured you.

Pro Tip: Try to rely more on your judgement and minimise the frequency of your need for confirmation. This can eventually give you greater confidence in the choices you make.

14. Anxiety in Crowded Places

Avoiding crowded areas and people out of fear of becoming unclean or ill is known as contamination fear.

You may avoid social situations, touching things, or even shaking hands because of this fear because you are concerned about dirt and germs.

Pro Tip: Remind yourself that not all dirt and germs are dangerous and begin by gradually exposing yourself to less dangerous situations like touching a doorknob. There are many tips and strategies to manage anxiety and stress.

15. Overanalyzing Minute Details

Thinking too much about little details that other people would miss indicates that you are overanalyzing them and can be Behavioural patterns that indicate you may have OCD.

One may find themselves preoccupied with petty errors or flaws. This may result in unneeded stress and longer times for simple tasks.

Pro tip:- Establish a time limit for how long you'll concentrate on details to practise letting go of minor flaws. Keep in mind that most minor errors don't have major repercussions.

Conclusion

Knowing the symptoms of OCD is crucial because it will enable you to assess whether you or a loved one needs assistance.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, or OCD, has an impact on a person's thoughts and actions. Common examples of these signs include the ones we talked about, such as the constant checking, the need for assurance, or the fear of germs.

These habits can be time-consuming and difficult to maintain in daily life. It is crucial to keep in mind that assistance is accessible. Contacting a physician or therapist is a smart idea if you observe these symptoms in yourself or another person.

Support and techniques for controlling these behaviours can be provided by them. You can start taking action to feel better and reclaim control of your life as soon as your OCD is diagnosed.

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