About Checking OCD
Checking OCD is a subtype of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) where individuals feel compelled to repeatedly check things due to irrational fears of something bad happening if they don’t. People with checking OCD often have obsessive thoughts about safety, security, or responsibility, and these thoughts lead them to engage in compulsive checking behaviors to relieve anxiety. The compulsive behavior involves checking things repeatedly to prevent the feared event. Common checking behaviors include:
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- Checking locks, doors, or windows repeatedly.
- Checking appliances (e.g., stove, oven, iron) to make sure they’re off.
- Checking that a child or loved one is safe or in a certain place.
- Re-reading or re-writing things to make sure they are correct.
- Checking email, messages, or social media for confirmation or reassurance.
- Checking parts of the body for certain sensations.
- The compulsion may also include mental checking, like mentally going over a list of things to ensure they were done correctly.
If they don’t complete the checking ritual to their satisfaction, they may feel compelled to start over, often resulting in time-consuming behaviors.
