Checking OCD

OCD Subtype

What is Checking OCD?

Checking OCD is one of the most common subtypes of OCD and one we see often at CalmOCD. Those struggling with Checking OCD experience intrusive thoughts, fears, or concerns (obsessions) causing them extreme doubt and uncertainty that items are not in safe place, lights or appliances were left on, doors were not closed, emails or text messages were written with errors, etc. OCD sufferers then feel the need to perform compulsive behaviors to check and make sure everything is okay and no harm will occur.

Checking OCD

Common Obsessions

Fear of accidently leaving the stove or oven on
Checking one’s memory to verify whether a thought is just a thought and not a memory
Fear of not having locked their doors (cars, home, pet gates)
Fear of losing one’s personal items
Fear of accidently leaving water faucets on
Fear of having written a text message or email incorrectly or inappropriately
Fear of leaving windows open or down
Fear of saying the wrong thing

‍

Checking OCD

Common Compulsions

Repeatedly checking one’s stove or appliances to ensure they weren’t left on
Repeatedly reassuring themselves or receiving reassurance from others about their fears
Having others check for them
Ruminating (problem solving) to ensure they shut off or checked things correctly
Repeatedly checking the locks in one’s home, car, and/or room
Repeatedly checking to ensure one’s personal items are still with them
Repeatedly checking water faucets to make sure they are off
Taking a photo to ensure they in fact locked/shut off/ or sent something correctly

These checking behaviors will get worse overtime. OCD sufferers learn that no amount of checking is ever enough. The person will start using different compulsions and methods to check. People with checking OCD are often late to work due to the amount of time they are spending checking.

[data-wf-bgvideo-fallback-img] { display: none; } @media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce) { [data-wf-bgvideo-fallback-img] { position: absolute; z-index: -100; display: inline-block; height: 100%; width: 100%; object-fit: cover; } }

Ready to Start Your Healing Journey?

If interested, please follow the steps below! Due to the high volume of inquiries please allow 48 hours for a response.

STEP 1

Connect

Submit an online inquiry

STEP 2

Response

You will receive a response from CalmOCD within 48 hours and a 15 minute complimentary consultation will be scheduled

STEP 3

Intake Session

If CalmOCD seems to be a good fit based on your individual needs, an intake session will be scheduled.

What is Checking OCD?

Common Obsessions

Common Compulsions

Ready to Start Your Healing Journey?

Connect

Response

Intake Session

Quick Links

Resources

Contact