Common Signs of OCD in Adults
Signs of OCD in adults can interfere with your daily responsibilities and relationships. The behaviors can be embarrassing, and many people with OCD struggle to behave normally around others. What is OCD? Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health disorder affecting more than 1.2% of the American adult population. Our thoughts influence our emotions, and how we react to these emotions results in behaviors. With OCD, intrusive or obsessive thoughts lead to anxiety and fear, resulting in compulsive behaviors to relieve those emotions. The compulsive behaviors give temporary relief, but the obsessive thoughts quickly return. The signs of OCD in adults can lead to trouble at work, school, and home. Many people with OCD feel helpless to stop their thoughts and compulsions. They may withdraw from society. When they engage in compulsive behaviors, they feel no pleasure. It is only a way to relieve the anxiety for a little while. Common Signs of OCD in Adults Most with OCD exhibit one or two signs of adult OCD. These behaviors go beyond wanting a clean kitchen, good personal hygiene, or going back to make sure you locked the back door. These behaviors are extreme and are the result of unwanted thoughts and fear. Only a mental health practitioner can diagnose OCD. Contact a mental health professional if you suspect you have OCD. Washing hands – Someone with OCD may fear germs or getting sick. They may wash their hands to the extreme, resulting in dry, cracked, raw, or bleeding hands. They may overuse hand sanitizer and avoid touching surfaces or shaking hands with people. Excessive cleaning – Germs and getting sick are a driving force behind many people with the type of OCD of excessive cleaning. They may clean a space several times using bleach and other products. They [...]
