Hand washing, checking appliances, and arranging things neatly are all part of everyday life. However, repeated actions manifested by obsessions may cause social and occupational dysfunction when they are not treated. From the perspective of someone with OCD, the door isn’t locked, the iron always seems plugged, and their skin never feels clean. OCD is short for obsessive-compulsive disorder, a mental disorder associated with obsessive thoughts and compulsive actions. Call the Atlanta Center for Mental Health at 833.625.0458 to get information about their OCD treatment program.
Signs and Symptoms of OCD
Not all obsessive thoughts and compulsive actions lead to a yes answer to the question, “Do I have OCD?” Consulting a therapist at a mental health treatment center is still the best bet for a definitive answer to your question. However, learning the signs and symptoms of OCD is still important. Common signs of OCD include:
- Fear of germ contamination
- Constant worries about missing things you might need
- Fear of performing actions that bring luck or misfortune
- Worrying about disorganized or misaligned objects
- Repeating words and counting numbers to relieve anxiety
- Excessive double-checking on things (e.g., home appliances)
There are different types of OCD, just as there are different symptoms of OCD. Although the types do vary, the connection between both obsessive thoughts and compulsive actions is always present.
Checker
A checker has obsessive worry over things that might lead to a worst-case scenario. As a result, they perform compulsive behavior of excessive checking to rid their anxieties. Water taps, door locks, house/car alarm, and emails are examples of the things that most people with this condition check overly often.
Washer
A person without OCD would wash their hands and stop when it looks clean. A person with OCD, on the other hand, would wash and not stop until they feel the germs are gone. This process can take quite some time. However, repetitive washing can lead to risks of physical skin problems due to constant scrubbing and cleaning. Cleaning doorknobs, staircase handles, and kitchen counters are other examples a washer might engage in.
Hoarder
People who compulsively hoard things that they don’t need may have OCD. They hoard because of their fear of losing things they might need in the future. Hoarders feel that if they lose or throw things away, something bad will happen to them or their loved ones. Hoarding is often accompanied by other mental disorders such as compulsive buying, addiction, and depression. Contact a mental health center for a depression treatment program.
Arranger
Most people with OCD belong to the arranger type. Their obsessive thoughts are about order and symmetry, while their compulsive behavior is to arrange and organize. An arranger will feel irritated, anxious, and frustrated when things aren’t in the right order. They are obsessed with practicing neatness and organization in everything they do and see.
Treatment for OCD Near Atlanta, GA
If you find yourself asking, “Do I have OCD?”, think about whether certain repetitive behaviors get in the way of your everyday life. Having unwanted obsessive thoughts and performing compulsive behaviors doesn’t always mean you have OCD.
If your habits are disturbing your daily functioning, you can seek a consultation at a mental health treatment center. A formal diagnosis from a doctor can lead to various effective treatments for OCD that include:
The Atlanta Center for Mental Health Can Help
If you find yourself asking “Do I have OCD?” a formal diagnosis by an Atlanta mental health center may be the first step to getting treatment. This is a battle you have to face every day, but you don’t have to feel alone. Call the Atlanta Center for Mental Health at 833.625.0458 for more information.
