How to Know If You Have OCD: Symptoms and Self-Check Tips

at Lyte Psychiatry (Best Adults and Adolescents Therapist and Psychiatrist Near You — Affordable Therapist and Psychiatrist Near You | Dallas & Arlington, TX)

Everyone has quirks. Maybe you double-check the stove or prefer your books arranged a certain way. But Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) goes far beyond preferences. It’s a diagnosable mental health condition that can deeply affect your thoughts, routines, relationships, and peace of mind.

At Lyte Psychiatry, we help teens and adults across Dallas & Arlington, TX learn how to recognize and manage OCD with compassion and clarity—because many people live with OCD for years without realizing it.

What Is OCD, Really?

OCD is a chronic mental health disorder characterized by:

🔷 Obsessions – Unwanted, intrusive thoughts, images, or urges that cause distress

🔷 Compulsions – Repetitive behaviors or mental acts performed to reduce that distress

The key feature of OCD isn’t just the behaviors—it’s that they feel impossible to control and interfere with daily life.

🧠 According to the International OCD Foundation, more than 2% of the population lives with OCD—and many go undiagnosed for years.

Common Signs of OCD

Obsessions May Include:

🔷 Fear of contamination (germs, illness, dirt)

🔷 Unwanted violent or sexual thoughts

🔷 Fear of harming others or making a mistake

🔷 Needing things to be “just right”

🔷 Intense doubt or fear of losing control

Compulsions May Include:

🔷 Excessive cleaning or handwashing

🔷 Checking (locks, appliances, emails) repeatedly

🔷 Counting, tapping, or repeating actions in a set way

🔷 Reassurance-seeking (“Are you sure I didn’t offend them?”)

🔷 Mentally reviewing or “canceling” thoughts

Important: OCD isn’t about enjoying these actions. Most people with OCD feel trapped by them and experience extreme anxiety when trying to stop.

Quick Self-Check: Could It Be OCD?

Ask yourself or your teen:

✅ Do I have distressing thoughts I can’t control, even when I know they don’t make sense?

✅ Do I feel compelled to do certain things over and over to ease my anxiety?

✅ Do these thoughts or rituals interfere with school, work, relationships, or sleep?

✅ Do I spend more than an hour a day caught in these patterns?

✅ Do I feel shame or confusion about how “extreme” my routines feel?

If you answered yes to several of these, it’s worth speaking with a mental health professional.

You Are Not Your Thoughts—And You Are Not Alone, Schedule a Consultation at Lyte Psychiatry (Affordable Therapist and Psychiatrist Near You)

If you've been silently battling obsessive thoughts or compulsive behaviors—feeling like your brain is stuck on repeat—know this: you are not alone, and you are not broken.

At Lyte Psychiatry, we understand that OCD is more than just “quirks” or “being particular.” It's a real mental health condition that can make everyday life feel overwhelming, confusing, and exhausting. And it often goes untreated because so many people feel ashamed to talk about it.

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Call us if you have questions at 469-733-0848

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Can children and teens have OCD?

A: Yes—many people first experience symptoms in childhood or adolescence. Early support can prevent long-term distress.

Q: Will I always need medication? A: Not always. Some people manage well with therapy (especially ERP). Others benefit from combining therapy and medication.

Q: Is OCD the same as being a perfectionist? A: No. OCD involves intrusive thoughts and compulsions that cause anxiety and impairment—far beyond wanting things “just so.”

Q: What if I’m too embarrassed to talk about my thoughts? A: We understand. OCD often involves shame. We provide a judgment-free space where your experiences will be treated with respect and care.