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

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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