1. Evaluate Recurring Unpleasant Thoughts or Images
People with OCD are plagued by images or thoughts that they have no control over and that seem to dominate their lives. The thoughts can take on many different forms, but they often center on fears of uncleanliness or contamination, thoughts of reckless, impulsive actions--like running into busy traffic, a need to order and organize trivial objects in a rigid manner and thoughts of unwanted religious or sexual behavior. They will often cause you considerable distress and may interfere with day-to-day activities, such as work.
2. Watch for Repeated Ritualistic Behavior
If you have OCD, you will likely engage in unduly elaborate acts in response to your obsessive thoughts. If you're concerned with cleanliness, you may wash your hands over and over. You may check and recheck light switches or car doors to ensure that they are locked. You might avoid certain colors or images or seek constant reassurance from friends that your behavior is correct. These acts may also be accompanied by specific rituals. You may perform each step in a given order or for a given number of times, starting again when the structure is breached.
3. Measure How Much Time You Spend Each Day on Obsessive or Ritualistic Behavior
OCD entails an inability to break from certain rituals or patterns of thought. If you recognize the illogic in your behavior and yet cannot bring yourself to stop it, it may suggest an obsessive-compulsive mindset. Furthermore, if the time spent on such behavior fills up a big part of your day (more than 1 or 2 hours), then it's probably causing problems with other parts of your life and constitutes a genuine compulsion.
4. See Whether You Are Ashamed of Your Behavior
If you have OCD, you may be troubled by feelings of shame or guilt or fears that bad things will happen if you don't continually engage in your ritualistic behavior. Sadness and depression are also symptoms of OCD. You might isolate yourself from others, both out of shame at your "strange" or "bad" thoughts and out of fear that contact with others will trigger your ritualistic behavior.
5. Speak to a Licensed Therapist
A self-test can help you recognize possible OCD behavior, but only a trained psychologist can properly diagnose it. If you believe you have OCD, set up an appointment with a nearby therapist--preferably someone with experience in the condition--and discuss possible treatments.
