Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Early Symptoms

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide and often goes unnoticed in its early stages. Knowing how to identify the early signs can be crucial to seeking help early and preventing the problem from worsening.

In this article, we explain what OCD is, what the first symptoms are, and when to seek specialized support.

What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?

OCD is characterized by the presence of obsessions and/or compulsions :

• Obsessions → persistent, intrusive, and unwanted thoughts, images, or impulses that generate anxiety or discomfort.

• Compulsions → repetitive behaviors or mental acts performed to relieve anxiety caused by obsessions (such as washing hands repeatedly or checking doors multiple times).

It's important to distinguish OCD from common manias or habits — in OCD, obsessions and compulsions have a significant impact on daily life and cause distress.

Early symptoms of OCD

OCD doesn't always start out obvious. Often, the first signs appear discreetly and become more intense over time. Here are some of the main warning signs:

1. Repetitive and distressing thoughts

• Ideas that arise involuntarily and are difficult to control, such as a constant fear of dirt, fear of hurting someone, or persistent doubts about having done something correctly.

2. Need for control and verification

• Check doors, windows, lights or stove several times before leaving the house.

• Repeatedly confirm whether you have sent a message or turned off a device.

3. Rituals and repetitions

• Washing hands or bathing excessively.

• Count objects, repeat words or phrases mentally to reduce anxiety.

4. Exaggerated fear of contamination

• Avoid public places, handshakes, or touching shared objects for fear of germs.

5. Extreme perfectionism

• The need to align objects, arrange everything symmetrically, or follow a specific order, feeling uncomfortable if something is “out of place.”

6. Avoidance of situations

• Avoiding certain activities or places for fear of triggering obsessive thoughts or compulsive behaviors.

When to seek help?

Not all repetitive behaviors are signs of OCD. What differentiates the disorder from common habits is:

• Negative impact on daily life (work, studies, personal relationships)
• Time consumed (many hours a day dedicated to rituals or thoughts)
• Significant emotional distress

If you notice these signs in yourself or someone close to you, it's important to seek help from a family doctor, psychologist, or psychiatrist. The sooner you begin treatment, the better your chances of controlling and improving symptoms.

The role of physical activity in OCD

Although OCD treatment primarily involves psychotherapy (such as cognitive behavioral therapy) and, in some cases, medication, regular exercise can help:

• Reduce anxiety
• Improve mood
• Regulate sleep
• Increase the feeling of well-being

On the website www.treinoemcasa.com , we have several articles and programs that can be adapted for those dealing with anxiety or stress.

Conclusion

Recognizing the early symptoms of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is a crucial step toward seeking help and preventing the problem from seriously impacting your quality of life. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to seek professional support—remember that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness .