Signs & Symptoms of OCD

Signs of OCD

Although it is difficult to determine exactly what causes OCD, a key sign of OCD is an obsessive thought about unrealistic and fearful things happening. It’s a continuous pattern that can (but doesn’t always) result in compulsive behavior in an attempt to thwart those unwanted, intrusive thoughts.

For example, someone with contamination OCD may experience debilitating fear about contracting a disease or infection. They may act on that fear by going to any (often unreasonable) lengths necessary to avoid contact with situations, objects, or people they believe could contaminate them or their environment.

They might have such severe OCD that they repetitively shower, change clothes multiple times a day (or hour), or incessantly clean their house. They could even end up washing their hands 70, 80, 90, or more times every day, attempting to clean themselves until they feel no more threat of contamination.

Regardless of how many times a compulsive behavior is repeated, the obsessive thought always returns. OCD is an exhausting condition to live with on a daily basis.

OCD typically starts  in early life, often appearing in childhood, teenage years, or young adulthood. The average age OCD in children usually appears is around 19 years, yet many people live with the condition for a significant portion of their life before ever receiving the correct OCD diagnosis.

Some people with OCD recognize and understand that their intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors are not warranted or helpful. Yet how they think and act is beyond their control. It’s not just a matter of willpower. Most people who live with OCD truly feel that they absolutely must engage in their ritualistic behaviors and that not acting will definitely lead to terrible consequences.

According to researchers at the University of California, while there are many subsets of obsessive-compulsive disorder, it can manifest differently in each person. However, initial signs commonly include:

• Fear of infection, disease, or dying
• Worrying about performing adequately
• Experiencing unwanted thoughts about self-harm or harming others

 

Repetitive thoughts, mental images, and urges concerning obsessions can cause people with OCD to engage in irrational behaviors, like:

• Meticulously and repetitively cleaning themselves, their clothing, and their environment
• Repeatedly asking for reassurance about performance
• Avoiding others to not harm them

 

In many cases, the symptoms of OCD will onset slowly. However, in rare cases, the condition can progress very rapidly. In almost all cases, without proper intervention and OCD treatment, symptoms will progressively worsen.

It’s important to note that many people in the world exhibit behavioral idiosyncrasies. We all know someone (perhaps it’s yourself) who’s serious about attention to detail or who likes their house to be exceptionally clean. Those are “normal” (and acceptable) behaviors for a lot of people. However, someone with OCD will have an obsession with persistent thoughts or engage in repetitive behavior for more than one hour daily.

Symptoms of OCD

What are the symptoms of OCD? It’s first necessary to differentiate between a couple of random compulsive acts and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Clinical diagnosis of OCD requires that someone experiences:

• Compulsive behaviors that interfere with an ability to function for at least one hour every day
• Major life distress because of their compulsive behaviors
• Impaired performance at work, school, or in social settings

 

Now, let’s look at some of the specific symptoms of OCD to be aware of if you think you or a loved one might have this challenging mental health condition.

Obsessions

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), thorough OCD symptom checklists include the following symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder, some or all of which might be experienced:

• Repetitive doubts about locking a door, turning the stove off, turning lights off, etc.
• Experiencing intense stress if certain objects aren’t aligned in a precise manner
• Fearing contamination from microbes, insects, animals, people, bodily fluids, or objects
• Strong mental images, urges, or worries about harming others or oneself
• Repetitive, inappropriate sexual thoughts or urges

 

People with OCD may also avidly avoid places, situations, or people they know or worry might trigger obsessive thoughts or feelings.

Compulsions

Compulsive behaviors are another aspect of OCD symptoms. These are mental or physical behaviors that might be done in an attempt to reduce nervousness or fear that’s related to obsessive thoughts or feelings. OCD can cause people to engage in compulsive behaviors in an effort to prevent dreadful things from happening.

Even in cases when people with OCD understand that their obsessions and compulsions are illogical, they still might be unable to stop themselves from experiencing either.

Common compulsions on an OCD symptoms checklist include:

• Arranging items like canned goods and knickknacks to face the same direction
• Checking, rechecking (and checking again) light switches, stove knobs, door locks, etc.
• Repetitively asking for reassurance about performance
• Excessive washing of hands, body, clothing, dishes, etc.
• Silently repeating a word, phrase, prayer, or mantra
• Adhering to an excessively strict schedule
• Counting and recounting

 

Compulsive behaviors can also include grunting, swallowing, blinking eyes, and tapping distinct parts of the body.

Wondering if you may have obsessive-compulsive disorder? Take our free OCD test to learn more. 

Managing Symptoms of OCD

We know that OCD typically onsets during teenage or young adult years. However, it can also start in childhood. The symptoms of OCD tend to start slowly and progressively intensify throughout life. A specific obsession or compulsion may also change over time.

OCD treatments can include psychotherapy (talk therapy), medication, and holistic self care routines. The most effective forms of OCD treatment generally come from a combination of approaches.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), specifically a subdiscipline called exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy, is a science-based therapy for OCD.

When to Seek Help

There are stark, obvious differences between someone who’s living with OCD and someone who simply appreciates order and structure. People with OCD will be consumed with obsessive thoughts, images, and urges that can drive them to perform neurotic acts to try and quell their thought patterns.

OCD is considered a lifelong condition, so it’s essential to get an accurate diagnosis and work with a mental health professional to learn effective coping skills. Do not attempt a self-diagnosis based on any symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder you may be experiencing. A proper diagnosis of any mental health condition requires a qualified assessment from a professional clinician or psychiatrist.

From there, you can get the help you need. Online therapy platforms, like Talkspace, have licensed therapists available to help you learn about and manage all forms of OCD. With help from these therapists, you can begin to put a plan in place so you can live a healthy, happy, productive life. You can learn how to control your OCD, instead of letting it continue to control you.