Ocd - Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Message Board

gibsonsg1991 · 01-30-2006, 07:19 PM

Okay, I believe I may have OCD. I have an overbite, and the bottom half of my teeth fits into the upper half, and I click the bottom half on the insides on the upper half counting sylables in everything, people talking, music, things I am thinking. Also, I was sitting at my Uncles house one day, and he had a laptop computer sitting in a case on his table. The case had an over the shoulder strap for carrying, and that strap was twisted, and for some reason, it annoyed me, and I had to unclip the strap on one side and straighten it and reclip it. Can someone tell me some symptoms, or tell me what you think about the possiblility that I have it?

starznmyeyes · 01-30-2006, 08:19 PM

It's possible, but I think it's important to understand that it isn't a problem unless it is interfering with your life, relationships, work etc. That goes with anything in life. Alcohol is fine if one doesn't abuse it. Junk food is great if it isn't consumed all the time. If your counting rituals are not causing you serious distress then it really isn't a problem yet. However, if you start finding yourself consumed with thoughts of counting to the point where you can't concentrate on getting something finished then it's time to start looking at getting help.

People with OCD such as myself would describe this problem as feeling stuck. For instance if the thought of the crooked strap that you mentioned was bothering you, a person with OCD may have to clip and reclip several times before it "felt" right. When I lock doors, even if I know for sure that it is locked, sometimes I will sit there for several minutes and shake the handle to make sure it is locked. I feel that I can't leave until it feels right. Here's the kicker, if I were to leave before it felt right, I would be seriously anxious to the point of nausea, unable to think clearly. This is where the problem is for most OCDers. The compulsions of checking and rechecking, and counting and washing is to relieve the severe anxiety that may follow if the ritual is not completed.