Checking OCD
Checking OCD occurs when a person experiences intrusive thoughts, fears, or concerns that cause doubt whether items are where they are supposed to be, lights or appliances were left on, doors are unlocked, or emails were written with errors, just to name a few examples. Oftentimes the fear includes a perception of great discomfort or danger if things are not exactly as they should be. As a result of these obsessive fears, people suffering from Checking OCD feel the need to perform compulsive behaviors and “check” to make sure the items they are concerned with have been left in the 'right' place or condition. If you have Checking OCD, you may feel an unrealistic amount of responsibility and believe that a dangerous or catastrophic situation is just “one mistake away.”
Obsessions
Compulsions
Treatment for Checking OCD
Individuals suffering from Checking OCD are advised to seek treatment from a mental health provider that specializes in the treatment of OCD. OCD specialists are trained to treat a wide range of OCD subtypes, including Checking OCD. Like all types of OCD, Checking OCD can be effectively treated with Exposure and Response Prevention. Contact Indy OCD to start treatment.
Obsessions
- Fear of having not locked the doors or windows
- Fear of accidentally leaving the stove, oven, or faucet on
- Checking one’s memory to verify a whether a thought is just a thought and not a memory
- Fear of losing one’s personal items
- Excessive worry about writing a text message or email incorrectly or inappropriately
- Fear of causing harm to someone by failing to exercise proper caution
Compulsions
- Repeatedly checking the locks on windows or doors
- Repeatedly checking the stove, appliances, or faucets to ensure they weren’t left on
- Seeking reassurance from others that a memory is real and not a thought
- Repeatedly checking to ensure one’s personal items are still with them
- Repeatedly reviewing emails or texts to ensure they are written correctly
- Checking to see if harm was done to self or others
Treatment for Checking OCD
Individuals suffering from Checking OCD are advised to seek treatment from a mental health provider that specializes in the treatment of OCD. OCD specialists are trained to treat a wide range of OCD subtypes, including Checking OCD. Like all types of OCD, Checking OCD can be effectively treated with Exposure and Response Prevention. Contact Indy OCD to start treatment.