Early signs of OCD
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is characterised by recurrent and persistent unwanted thoughts, images, or urges (obsessions) that cause extreme distress. Often people will also engage in repetitive behaviours or mental acts aimed at reducing distress or preventing an obsessive fear (compulsions).
Early warning signs that you may be starting to experience OCD include:
- Repetitive behaviours
- Repeating actions until they are “just right” or starting things over again
- Rule-driven
- Have rigid ideas that dictate your behaviour
- Simple/routine tasks are time-consuming
- Spending too much time on routine tasks
- Excessive worries or doubts
- Have extreme fears about bad things happening or doing something wrong
- Doubting that you have done something “right/correct”
- Resistant to change
- Find it difficult/distressing when things don’t go as you expected or when things change
- Reassurance seeking or re-checking
- Excessive checking of things, such as ensuring the doors are locked multiple times
- Have difficulty tolerating uncertainty
- Uncontrollable intrusive thoughts
- Unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that occur over and over again
If one or more of these symptoms are starting to impact your life, such as taking up a considerable amount of time, affecting your ability to go about your daily activities, or causing distress, it could be an early warning sign of OCD. If you or a loved one is struggling from symptoms of OCD it is recommended that professional support is considered. If you would like further information, please do not hesitate to contact us at the practice on 6381 0071.
Acknowledgments:
*Part of this material incorporates information from the following various sources:
https://kids.iocdf.org/professionals/md/pediatric-ocd/;
https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=288&language=English;