How do you know if it is a disorder or just how you are?

Question:

For years I have thought it was just the way I was but now I wonder if I have disorder. I am constantly washing hands, even when they are not dirty. If someone is sick or has a family member sick, I can not stand to be around them or close to them. I triple check, sometimes more, to make sure my oven is off after using it, my doors are locked, and I will turn my door knob back and forth several times to make sure it is locked. In the mornings I have to take a certain route to work, its a longer trip, but I have to take it or I don't feel right. Same thing at lunch and on the way home. I have to have my coffee at the exact same time every day on the weekdays and on the weekends. I always have to sit on the end in meetings, church, movie theaters, etc. I always have to drive, I can not be passenger. I worry that I might hurt someone a lot, family or friends, if I'm not careful. This is to only name a few of the weird things I do. But are this just habits or possible a disorder?

Answers:
It sounds like your do have OCD. All of the 'habits' you just described are symptoms of OCD. Repeating actions until it feels right, counting things compulsively, and obsessions with personal hygiene are the most common symptoms of OCD. Get professional help if you feel that it's getting out of hand.

I think you have Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. See a psychologist.

I can point this out, you're very obsessed with control.

It's not OCD.

My friend, you are who you are. A disorder is something that is different from the norm, or sticks out.

Technically, you have OCD. Majority rules.

Sounds like you have hyperparanoia, i'd see a psychiatrist.

Sounds like OCD to me. Most people have something that they are obsessive/compulsive with for example my old roommate was obsessed with cleaning and I have an obsession with double and triple checking the locks on the doors, but when it interferes with your life, and controls you then it is a disorder. You should look into it more with a doctor or a psychiatrist.

You most likely have Obsessive /Compulsive Disorder. There some good meds for it . My friend is on paxil and wellbutrin for OCD and Social Anxiety Disorder(SAD)

Can't say for sure since I am not the professional. There are written test you can take. I do some things similar, because I know how I like things and that is how I am. The question is do these things control your life? Do you have to do them? I don't have do these things that I like, I just feel more comfortable. Try not doing some of the things, one at a time and see if you can live with out it. If you go insane and on the rampage, then you should seek help.

When you finally get tired of this, you'll do something about it.and that's the bottom line. Can you as well call these "habits" .."quirks." Are you hurting anyone? You have a choice of driving home the same way every.You have a choice. I think your disorder would be called "lack of self-trust".what was going on in your life when you first noticed that you had to double check yourself? Deal with that problem and your quirks are all over.or do nothing. I would highly suggest considering acupuncture where they know that every organ has an emotion...and I would call and make an appointment Monday morning. Heal your body and mental health follows. And everyone has a disorder, it's only measured in degrees.

How do you know if it is a disorder or just how you are?

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