Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Support Group

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a psychiatric disorder, more specifically, an anxiety disorder. OCD is manifested in a variety of forms, but is most commonly characterized by a subject's obsessive (repetitive, distressing, intrusive) thoughts and related compulsions (tasks or rituals) which attempt to neutralize the obsessions.

3,027 Members
7,394 Posts
0 Online
Anxiety Disorders
/ Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Support Group

Please share Opinions?

RamblinJon
RamblinJon
Ever since I was 5 years old (and I can still remember that today!), I have always counted the silverware and dishes, etc. I've done this at the beginning of, during, and finishing the dishes. Now, that I think about it, I count just about anything and everything--including the signs on the highway (even for a brief time). I would like to read some opinions on whether this is OCD (I have asked my therapist to look up the criteria for OCD, but it will be 2 weeks from today before I get the answers)? If you have any other questions that you would like to ask me, please feel free to do so and I will respond as soon as possible (I promise!). Thanks!
deleted_user
deleted_user
You can def do some research online for counting ocd. If you are not worried something bad will happen or get anxious if you do not count the silverware and signs it prob is just obsessive personality, which differs from ocd. I think people who just do these things like count or maybe like their house cleaned a certain way have obsessive personality bc it is just part of them and they dont get upset that they do these things. Just remember if you dont get anxious if you dont count then you prob dont have ocd.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I agree with Rocketgirl...if it's just a habit, i wouldnt think so. Definitly research online...there is so much information!
deleted_user
deleted_user
ocd is an anxiety based illness so if you dont feel anxious or panicky when you dont do count stuff then its probrably just habit ocd is when you cant not think something or do something like counting or checking you know like if when you try not to count you fill with anxiety or get uneasy or upset then its ocd basicly if you HAVE to do it then its ocd
deleted_user
deleted_user
I have OCD and find myself counting quite a bit. But I do it to calm myself. Not that I thnk something catastrophic will happen if I don't, I just seem to do it when stressed. However, if that's the only symptom, I'd check in with the doc first. Could be any of a number of things including a real fondness for numbers.
deleted_user
deleted_user
http://psychcentral.com/ocdquiz.htm
deleted_user
deleted_user
I have counted things all my life, and I have a problem with how many times I can touch something, it has to be an even amout, never odd. It always gets worse when I'm stressed or rushed and I can't complete my "routine" like I want to, then I have to start all over again.

I thought that I kept it hid until my sister pointed out that I can't turn off the light without touching it 4 times. I was so embarrassed and blew her off. Of course I knew she was right but I could not admit it. I get so tired of never being able to do the smallest of tasks without repeating them over and over.

When I was diagnosed with MS my dr put me on cymbalta for depression and one of the benefits was that my OCD tendencies lessened. My family jokes about my behavior now but to me it's no joke. I wish it would go away.