6 OCD Symptoms in Adults
by Katherine Pica LCSW
There are many different types of anxiety that people can experience, no matter their age. Obsessive-compulsive disorder is common and it causes fears, troublesome thoughts, and worries for children, teenagers, and even adults.
Typically, a person experiencing Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, or OCD, will attempt to subdue or manage their anxiety through rituals. There are different symptoms that someone with OCD can experience based on the cause of their anxiety.
Two of the main believed causes of obsessive-compulsive disorder are genetics and the environment. There are many known forms of OCD like fear of contamination , but we will also go over some less known forms of OCD. OCD does not look the same in everyone.
Here are 6 examples of OCD symptoms in adults.
1. Fear of Contamination and Excessive Washing
One of the most known symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder is a fear of contamination. The anxiety stems from anxiety or fear of germs or getting dirty. A person experiencing this symptom may go out of their way to avoid being in a situation that may expose them to dirtiness or germs. If they feel like they’ve been exposed or contaminated, extreme actions may be taken to ensure they get clean again. Excessive washing usually occurs as a compulsion to their obsession with being clean, or not contaminated with germs. People experiencing this obsession and compulsion may get stuck in a repetitive cycle of constantly washing their hands or bathing.
2. Fear of Losing Control
Another leading symptom of OCD is the fear of losing control. The loss of control can be related to a fear of harm. For example, someone might experience a fear of burning down their house due to forgetting to turn off their oven or stove. The fear of Control can also look like the fear of going crazy. As an OCD therapist I often hear clients worry “What if I am Always like this” “What if I just lose it” “What if I just snap and go crazy”.
A person will attempt to do many compulsions to prevent a disaster from taking place. The compulsions could include a constant need to check up on friends or family via phone call or text message or performing repetitive behaviors like counting steps, repeating words, or tapping.
3. Repetitive Checks of Performing Tasks
The constant need to repetitively check things or perform certain tasks multiple times throughout the day are ways that individuals struggling with OCD find temporary relief from their anxiety. The constant need to check on things can stem from a fear that they will hurt themselves or someone else, or it can also come from the need for things to “Feel Just RIght”. The can checking comes into play as a way for them to ensure that something bad hasn’t happened and won’t happen in the future. Or the checking can be a way to “Feel Just right”.
4. Arranging Things in a Specific Way
Another symptom of OCD is an extreme need for order or even symmetry in some cases. All of the books are in alphabetical order on a bookshelf. Pencils lined up perfectly on a desk. Pillows are placed perfectly on the couch. As an OCD therapist, I often see clients have not a single item that is out of place. Or if it is out of place then it really causes distress or anxiety.
Individuals who portray these symptoms of OCD usually want to have things in their life balanced. This could be as simple as holding a cup of coffee with both hands or walking on the sidewalk and making sure each step matches the one before.
5. Having Intrusive and Unwanted Thoughts or Images
Everyone experiences intrusive or unwanted thoughts from time to time. If these thoughts start to get in the way of your daily life, then it may be a good sign of OCD. Individuals experiencing intrusive or unwanted thoughts from OCD will usually ruminate over a topic of importance to them. For example, a new mom may spend hours fixated on the right way to care for her child. The fear of harming her child’s future by the actions she takes now can be overwhelming, preventing her from thinking of little else.
6. Excessive Engagement in Prayers or Rituals
Religious OCD is a type of OCD that causes individuals to stress, worry, and anxiety related to their religion. Someone may fear their faith, going to hell, or sinning. As an OCD therapist I often see compulsions like: excessive praying, repeating mantras, or attending church services more frequently than normal. Sometimes instead of rituals there can be avoidance. Sometimes when people suffer from OCD they normally would attend church or read their bible now get too much anxiety and are no longer able to do the things they once enjoyed.
Next Steps- Find an OCD Therapist
There are so many different forms of OCD. These are just a few! No matter what OCD symptoms you’re struggling with, getting connected with an OCD therapist is a great step in the right direction. When working with an OCD therapist you will work with you to develop a treatment plan to help you manage those symptoms and get back to living your life again.
The best form of treatment for OCD is exposure and response prevention( ERP). ERP is most evidenced based practice for OCD and has helped so many people better manage their symptoms.
OCD treatment local in San Diego
If you or your loved one is struggling with OCD there is so much hope in OCD therapy! You do not have to do this alone! We have helped so many who have struggled with OCD and can help you too! If you are in San Diego or California and looking for an OCD therapist who has been trained in ERP, please reach out.
You do not have to struggle with OCD alone. Contact us today to schedule a free 15 minute consultation.
