10 Behaviours and Impulses That Are Telltale Signs of OCD

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) affects millions of individuals around the world. Unfortunately, there is a big misconception that those with OCD are simply “clean freaks” and like things kept organized. In reality, living with this psychiatric disorder can cause a wide array of symptoms that may vary from one sufferer to the next. 

Below are some possible behaviours and impulses that someone with OCD might exhibit. 

1. Recounting

The OCD brain has a tendency of making the sufferer continuously need reassurance “just to make sure.” As a result, they may have a habit of constantly recounting things to ensure they are correct. 

2. Strong Fixations

Fixations or obsessions are common among those diagnosed with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Obsessions can range from fear of contamination/dirt or even thoughts of harming someone (without the intention to act). They may be frequently, or constantly, fixated on these unwanted thoughts. 

3. Hoarding

Those with OCD, ironically, are often hoarders. They may keep items that they no longer need or even collect items they think they may need for future use, like old newspapers. This extreme preparedness brings a level of comfort to them and reassures safety. 

4. Excessive Hand Washing

For those who have a fear of germs as a symptom of their OCD, they often resort to washing their hands and/or using hand sanitizer frequently as a compulsion. In severe cases, an OCD sufferer may wash their hands so often that their hands begin to develop sores. 

5. Fear of Losing Something

The perfectionism mindset of someone with OCD may cause an extreme fear of losing an item, whether it be of value or not. Their fear and obsession over potentially losing something can cause great anxiety and cause them to keep rechecking to make sure the item is still in their possession. 

6. Wanting Things Done in a Specific Order

A common compulsion of someone with OCD is wanting things completed in a very particular order or having to have items arranged in a certain way. If things are done or displayed incorrectly, anxiety will result. 

7. Repeatedly Checking

Checking once isn’t always good enough for someone with OCD. They may need to keep rechecking to make sure they turned the oven off or locked their car doors. They may not be able to fully trust themselves, their judgment, or their memory, hence needing to check one more time as a form of reassurance. 

8. Difficulty Dealing with Criticism

Those with OCD often have anxiety regarding being perfect and doing things correctly the first time around. So, even genuine constructive feedback, while necessary, can be highly damaging to their self-esteem and trigger self-doubt. 

9. Perfectionism with Tasks

OCD often makes completing tasks, whether small or large, difficult due to their perfectionism. They may take longer to complete a simple task, overthink basic instructions, or even keep double- and triple-checking their work for errors. 

10. Struggling to Throw Away Broken/Old Items

An OCD sufferer’s fear of trashing an unwanted or damaged item can be caused by different reasons. Some may find throwing things away to hurt their desire for perfectionism as it acts as a reminder to themselves that possessions are not perfect and get worn out or break overtime. Others might believe something bad will happen to them if they throw certain items away. 

Are you dealing with the signs of OCD? It may be time to consider Riverside mental health treatment today. 

Conclusion 

Having OCD is so much more than being obsessed with all things neat, tidy, and germ-free. In actuality, those diagnosed with the condition may suffer from a plethora of other symptoms and challenges. Learning about Obsessive Compulsive Disorder can help both sufferers and mental health professionals find the best modes of treatment.