How To Recognize OCD Symptoms

Look for symptoms such as a compulsion to organize minute details, an inability to comb your hair without being able to stop or look away, cleaning a room several times in succession, or folding and re-folding towels until they’re just right.

Note any habits of counting random objects, fretting about trivialities, or compulsive organizing.

Look for compulsions such as repeating prayers, making broad motions, or repeating statements to ward off imagined evil acts. You may be using these behaviors to deal with unfounded feelings of guilt.

Note excessive fears, such as of germs and contamination or a sense of dread that failure to complete a task perfectly would be disastrous.

Recognize excessive hoarding of useless items that would normally be considered trash.

Observe behavior in family members that resemble your own. Research suggests that childhood-onset OCD may be hereditary.

Get a diagnosis from a qualified physician who can then prescribe treatment if you have OCD. Don’t suffer in silence!