Why Do I Have Intrusive Thoughts Or Am I Overly Attached To Certain Rituals?

Do you experience persistent thoughts, strong desires, or images as undesirable or intrusive, and that typically makes you feel anxious or distressed?

Do you try to ignore or suppress such thoughts, strong desires, or images, or to neutralize them by thinking about something else or doing something else?

Do you feel driven to perform repetitive behaviors (e.g., ordering, hand washing) or mental acts (e.g., counting, praying) in response to an obsession or according to rules that must be followed?

With these behaviors, do you try to prevent or reduce distress, or prevent some terrifying event (these behaviors are clearly excessive or not realistically connected with what they are supposed to neutralize or prevent)?

Do the obsessions or compulsions take much time of your day (e.g., more than 1 hour) or cause significant impairment in social, work, or other relevant areas of functioning?

Based on your answers, you may experience some persistent thoughts or desires as undesirable. However, it does not seem like you have a serious problem that needs clinical attention. Some people are perfectionists: they strive for flawless results. These people do not have a mental disorder. But having obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is different: people who suffer from OCD don’t simply worry about real life problems. They feel compelled to act out certain behaviors or rituals repeatedly and it complicates their life. The obsessions are the thoughts that cause anxiety, and compulsions are the behaviors people use to relieve that feeling of anxiety.

While it is unlikely that you have obsessive-compulsive disorder, you are displaying some signs related to it. It’s normal to double or even triple check if we locked the door or if we didn’t leave the gas on. But people who feel the urge to act out certain rituals repeatedly, may be diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder. The obsessions and compulsions clearly disrupt their normal functioning. It may be useful to talk with your doctor about your symptoms. Diagnosing OCD is not always easy, because symptoms can overlap with other disorders such as anxiety disorders, depression, and schizophrenia.

Unfortunately, you are displaying the symptoms typically seen among individuals who have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It may be recommended to seek medical attention for your symptoms. The disorder can not always be cured, but treatment can help to control symptoms so that you can still live a satisfying life. Usually, psychotherapy and medications are used to treat OCD. It may take some effort and practice, but once you learn how to deal with your obsessions and compulsions, you will improve your quality of life. Educate yourself about the disorder and stick to your treatment plan. Practice relaxation strategies and join a support group to share your experiences.