Perhaps most frustrating of all?
While symptoms can show up at any point, they usually begin in childhood or early adulthood.
They can wax and wane over time, sometimes going into high gear when you are under serious stress.
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Here are some of the most common.
Youre hyper-concerned about safety.
Maybe youre scared of germs, so you shower multiple times a day.
But how do you differentiate that behavior from, say, new-parent jitters andbracing for cold and flu season?
Imbalances and imperfections make your skin crawl.
She also tries to walk to a count of 10 whenever she can.
Dr. Piesman says you may struggle to focus on tasks or agonize if things are asymmetrical.
I like to tell people its the urgency of it, she notes.
Naturally, this can take a huge toll on loved ones as well.
You may have a tendency to isolate yourself.
In fact, you might start skipping dinners with friends just in case therecouldbe chicken on the menu.
Washingtonspends so many hours dwellingon worst-case scenarios that she ends up avoiding all kinds of situations.
You crave certainty, so you plan to excess.
People with OCD tend to over-prepare to reduce the chances of winding up in distressing spots.
One of Dr. Piesmans patients was terrified of notgetting enough sleepon a vacation.
Again, this can all affect the people close to you.
Youre worried you cant control yourself.
If you have OCD, you might have repetitive thoughtsand a fear ofrandomly doing something disturbing or harmful.
And, again, obsessing over these unlikely scenarios can derail your life.
You might avoid various circumstances where youcouldact outDr.
Pinto says people who are afraid of punching someone on the street may avoid walking near other people.
Those who are terrified they might stab someone may lock up their knives at home.
What to do if you think you might have OCD.
The giveaway its OCD and not something else like anxiety or a personality trait?
Your thoughts and behaviorsmajorlyimpact your ability to live your life.
She stopped fighting her OCD, and with time and practice, eventually learned how to live with it.
