How to Know If You Have OCD
Are you a bit anal-retentive, or do you have a full-blown case of obsessive-compulsive disorder? Here's how to know the difference.
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You Will Need
- Self-evaluation
- Medical checkup
Steps
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Step 1
Rate your anxiety
Rate your anxiety level. Many people are worrywarts, but OCD sufferers have persistent and disturbing thoughts, images, and impulses that they can't suppress.
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Step 2
Look for a pattern
Ask yourself if your obsessions have a theme. Common ones include an intense fear of germs; needing things to be symmetrical in order to feel calm; and violent or sexual thoughts you can't control.
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Step 3
Consider how you handle your fears
Consider how you handle your obsession. People with OCD try to control their worries or distressing impulses with rituals like constant hand-washing, counting in certain patterns, cleaning excessively, double-checking for safety hazards, and making sure objects are aligned.
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Most adults with OCD recognize that their rituals are out of the ordinary, but most children with the disorder do not.
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Step 4
Weigh how much your rituals interfere with your life
Weigh how much your rituals interfere with your life. OCD sufferers spend more than an hour a day performing their repetitive behaviors. Some are so controlled by their compulsions that they interfere with their ability to hold a job or sustain a relationship.
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Step 5
Get diagnosed
See a doctor if you suspect you have OCD. A combination of medication and therapy can relieve symptoms in most sufferers.
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Obsessive-compulsive disorder affects 2.2 million American adults.
