How To: Tell if you or someone you know has OCD

Do you have a lot of anxiety and aren't sure why? Are you just neurotic or do you have a full blown case of OCD? Obsessive-compulsive disorder is nothing to be ashamed of and is more common than you'd think. Check out this video and see if you have a problem.
You Will Need

* Self-evaluation
* Medical checkup

Step 1: Rate your anxiety

Rate your anxiety level. Many people are worrywarts, but OCD sufferers have persistent and disturbing thoughts, images, and impulses that they can't suppress.

Step 2: Look for a pattern

Ask yourself if your obsessions have a theme. Common ones include an intense fear of germs; needing things to be symmetrical in order to feel calm; and violent or sexual thoughts you can't control.

Step 3: Consider how you handle your fears

Consider how you handle your obsession. People with OCD try to control their worries or distressing impulses with rituals like constant hand-washing, counting in certain patterns, cleaning excessively, double-checking for safety hazards, and making sure objects are aligned.
Most adults with OCD recognize that their rituals are out of the ordinary, but most children with the disorder do not.

Step 4: Weigh how much your rituals interfere with your life

Weigh how much your rituals interfere with your life. OCD sufferers spend more than an hour a day performing their repetitive behaviors. Some are so controlled by their compulsions that they interfere with their ability to hold a job or sustain a relationship.

Step 5: Get diagnosed

See a doctor if you suspect you have OCD. A combination of medication and therapy can relieve symptoms in most sufferers.

You are not alone: Obsessive-compulsive disorder affects 2.2 million American adults.