Hi Ed,

I'm not an expert, but I have suffered with OCD since
I'd say 7 years of age, and I am now 24. Having
suffered with the disorder and now studying it as part
of my Psychology degree I can tell you that your
symptoms are common, I have mostly checking ones,
light switches etc and some slight contamination ones.
Thoughts too, its the thoughts that are the obsessions
and the behaviours that are the compulsions. When you
have an obsessive thought, usually due to some
anxiety, (it's an anxiety disorder)you carry out a
ritualistic act, or compulsion to remove the anxiety.
It's a spiral and will almost certainly get worse. You
need to to seek help, therapy first, then they may
offer medication, depending on the severity.

OCD is a 'secretive disorder' the reason being that
people who have it know its irrational, but simply
can't help themselves, so keep it secret because they
think they are mad, but it is not 'madness' as you are
aware it is irrational behaviour.

Get some help Ed, there are lots of us out there the
same, you would be surprised!

Let me know how you get on and take care.

Anthony





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