I have a lot of OCD like symptoms, but they are not all intense like other people do. Could I still have the disorder?

I'm not a doctor, but I can provide some general information. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterized by recurring intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours or mental acts (compulsions) aimed at reducing anxiety or preventing a feared event. While the intensity of symptoms can vary among individuals, it's possible to have OCD with varying degrees of severity. OCD symptoms can range from mild to severe, and they may fluctuate over time. Some people experience intense and disruptive symptoms that significantly impact their daily lives, while others may have milder symptoms that are more manageable. The key aspect of OCD is the presence of obsessions and compulsions that cause distress and interfere with functioning, regardless of their intensity. If you have concerns about OCD-like symptoms, it's important to consult a mental health professional for an accurate diagnosis. They will consider various factors, such as the frequency, duration, and impact of your symptoms, to determine whether you meet the criteria for OCD or any other related condition. Remember, self-diagnosis can be challenging, and it's best to seek professional guidance for a comprehensive evaluation. A mental health professional can provide you with a proper diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment options tailored to your specific needs.

Honestly, the only person who can answer this fully would be a medical or mental health professional. I do know that OCD can vary in intensity from person to person, and even at different times. Perhaps keeping a diary of your symptoms would be helpful when approaching a professional for assessment if you are able to. Only you can decide if your symptoms are such that you should see a doctor; as in how much they affect your life. They will then decide if what you describe meets the criteria for the disorder, and whether treatment is something that can be offered. It sounds like it is something that is worrying you so that makes it worth getting checked out.

I am leaning towards asking you whether you think that the symptoms or characteristics you've been experiencing have become more persistent over time or if they have affected areas of your life such as your time management skills because of a ritual, or increased feelings of depression because you don't feel like you understand yourself and what you're going through? If the answer is yes, then I am sure through your research you have found resources that suggest the next step to seeking help. If you haven't then I would suggest connecting with mental health services in your area and inquiring how you may go about accessing support with seeing a professional. If this hasn't become concerning. It might be worth keeping a log to see how things progress. Whether it's an increase or decrease in behaviors. Be as honest as you can with what's going on with you. Do this for an extended period of time and then look back at the trend. This will also give you more concrete ways of presenting information if you feel like you need to get support later on. For now, besides the above solution, maybe you can focus on engaging in mindful activities and ensuring that you are doing things that will benefit your mental health and overall well being and putting that as a priority. I can understand how it can be easier to want an easy answer to something like this but it can be difficult at times. Be patient with yourself, you deserve to treat yourself with kindness!

The short answer is that your symptoms being less intense doesn't necessarily mean you don't have OCD. All mental health conditions exist on a spectrum and manifest in different ways. But the longer answer is that if you think you have OCD, you should be evaluated by a mental health professional (in the US, a psychiatrist or psychologist). Anyone who is not licensed (most 7 Cups users) can't tell you whether you have OCD or not. If you aren't sure where to start, you can speak to your primary care/general physician, and they can explain the process to you and help you get connected.