I'm not sure if this is the category to post in but it sounds like this is my problem but I'm not totally sure.
Firstly I have a habit of keeping things always in their place; whenever something goes out of place I always put it back (without actually getting frustrated or angry). When organizing things I always tend to keep them, depending on what it is, perfectly at 90º or pefectly parallel; for instance, if I have to keep two cards, or two bottles, or two books, or two CD cases on top of or next to each other I will make sure they go perfectly on top. Another thing I have an issue with is organizing or sequencing; if I have a range of bottles (like deodrant, perfume....) I will always keep it from small to big; the same goes with colour (of socks), from lightest to darkest.
In many things I organize or do I always tend to look for simmetry or sequences. The same goes for folders on my PC; if one file starts with a capital letter, all files start with capital letters (unlike many other people's computer I've seen); if some files belong to a category, I have the habit of keeping all files in their categories, and so forth (I'm not sure if this has anything to do with what I mentioned before but I'm trying to explain my problem).
Lastly washing my hands is also a case but compared to what some people on here have, I wouldn't consider it too important. Basically I always want to be clean whenever I touch shoes, feet, socks, floor or any thing that has dust or some kind of dirt in it.
Do I really have OCD? Or is it just me trying to look for perfection?
Any opinion is accepted.
Thanks.
Last edited by anonymous12345; 01-04-2008 at 12:51 PM.
I'm not sure if this is the category to post in but it sounds like this is my problem but I'm not totally sure.
Firstly I have a habit of keeping things always in their place; whenever something goes out of place I always put it back (without actually getting frustrated or angry). When organizing things I always tend to keep them, depending on what it is, perfectly at 90º or pefectly parallel; for instance, if I have to keep two cards, or two bottles, or two books, or two CD cases on top of or next to each other I will make sure they go perfectly on top. Another thing I have an issue with is organizing or sequencing; if I have a range of bottles (like deodrant, perfume....) I will always keep it from small to big; the same goes with colour (of socks), from lightest to darkest.
In many things I organize or do I always tend to look for simmetry or sequences. The same goes for folders on my PC; if one file starts with a capital letter, all files start with capital letters (unlike many other people's computer I've seen); if some files belong to a category, I have the habit of keeping all files in their categories, and so forth (I'm not sure if this has anything to do with what I mentioned before but I'm trying to explain my problem).
Lastly washing my hands is also a case but compared to what some people on here have, I wouldn't consider it too important. Basically I always want to be clean whenever I touch shoes, feet, socks, floor or any thing that has dust or some kind of dirt in it.
Do I really have OCD? Or is it just me trying to look for perfection?
Any opinion is accepted.
Thanks.
Hi Anonymous,
It does sound like you have OCD. Feeling the need to be clean and keep things organized are symptoms of OCD. The best thing to do is get some professional help like go see a Psychiatrist or Psychologist. You need therapy and medication for your OCD. You want to get your OCD under control, and get help for your OCD before it's get worse.
Also there is alot of good books on OCD that can help you with your OCD, like
"Brain Lock" By Jeffrey M. Schwartz, and Beverly Beyette.
That's what I would do. I hope that this post is helpful to you.
Good luck on your OCD, and keep us posted on how you are doing with your OCD.
As Sari05 said, what you are describing certainly sounds like symptoms of OCD (in fact, I have OCD and organizing computer files is one of my obsessions!). However, it is your response that is important. For example, you said you want to be clean whenever you touch something dirty, but do you want to be clean or do you need to be clean? What will happen (emotionally or physically) if you do not clean after touching something dirty? What will happen (again emotionally or physically) if your computer files are not organized?
Everybody is obsessive-compulsive to some extent; it is only if it really bothers you (i.e. produces anxiety) that it becomes obsessive-compulsive-disorder which requires treatment (usually CBT - cognitive behavioural therapy) with one-on-one sessions with a therapist.
Hope this helps.
Last edited by Benjamin01; 01-08-2008 at 06:54 PM.
I want my home and myself clean..I am afraid of germs, and diseases..
It's hard for me to relax, sleep, watch tv or even read a book if my house is messy..I used to clean till I dropped..But for some reason that has lightened up for me over the last 6 months..
But my hands have to be clean..Before I eat I scrub up to my elbows..Any public place has to have a bathroom so I can wash up..When Im in my home, I can't leave a room without washing up..For instance, if I pass through my kitchen I have to stop at the sink..If I leave my bedroom I have to go into our master bath and wash...If I don't do these things my mind will obsess about it , then I will go into a small anxiety attack, my body will get warm and my heart will pace till I do it...
Sounds like OCD to me. Do get some treatment, see a therapist and maybe a psychiatrist, too. When our behaviour is out of our control, then it's not just perfectionism.
Re: Do I have OCD or if not what? 
Linear Mode
