Related Symptoms & Conditions
We're creating resources to help people learn about OCD in the many ways it impacts their own lives—not just what it looks like on paper. You can search our resources to determine when your intrusive thoughts may be related to OCD.
Learn more about how traumatic experiences may increase the likelihood of developing OCD symptoms.
By Fjolla Arifi
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
If you spend more than an hour a day trying to fix your acne in the mirror or avoid social situations because of it, you may benefit from working with a therapist.
By Yusra Shah
Reviewed by Samantha Sullivan, MSW, LICSW
Explore the signs and symptoms of skin picking disorder, and find treatment options for this body-focused repetitive behavior.
By Fi Lowenstein
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
Learn more about why you’re picking your scalp, and find effective treatments to stop this common behavior.
By Jessica Migala
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
Do you constantly feel as if you’re being watched? Find out if this persistent fear is linked to a phobia known as scopophobia or another mental health concern.
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
Discover the possible reasons behind cheek-biting and find effective strategies to stop this common behavior.
By Fjolla Arifi
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
When it comes to compulsive shopping, the line between enjoying it and being tortured by it is thin. Let's explore what might be behind your habit.
By Yusra Shah
Reviewed by Diana Matthiessen, LMSW
Superstitions are fairly common, but what if you have one about nose itching? Find out if this superstition could indicate an underlying mental health concern.
By Taneia Surles
Reviewed by Diana Matthiessen, LMSW
The “everyone hates me” feeling, explained. Find out when it's not a big deal versus when anxiety or another issue could be at play.
By Jill Webb
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
Does thinking about your sexuality cause distress? Find out if the source is compulsory heterosexuality or sexual orientation OCD.
By Taneia Surles
Reviewed by Diana Matthiessen, LMSW
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and anxiety are closely related. Obsessions often provoke anxiety, and compulsions—while done in an attempt to find
By Jill Webb
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
With recent news coverage of plane crashes, it’s reasonable to have some concerns about safety before booking a flight. While flying remains one of the
Have you ever found yourself lost in thought, only to realize you’ve been pulling out your hair? Or, maybe you frequently pick at your skin—fussing with
By Fi Lowenstein
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
OCD and substance use disorders (SUD) often occur at the same time, with drugs and alcohol providing a temporary escape from intrusive thoughts and
Compulsions and addictions both involve urges, but compulsions are fueled by anxiety or fear whereas addictions are driven by pleasure or escapism.
By Jill Webb
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
OCD is fueled by a loop of obsessions and compulsions, with mental compulsions—often understood as thought patterns—playing a major role in this cycle.
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
Daydreaming can be a way to relax or explore your creative side, but if making up imaginary situations becomes excessive or interferes with daily life, it
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
Maladaptive daydreaming is excessive daydreaming that can interfere with daily life and can become a compulsive behavior for people with OCD. Exposure and
Reviewed by Samantha Sullivan, MSW, LICSW
Have you ever had a thought or image pop up in your head that made you feel anxious, uncomfortable, or even scared? You could be driving past some
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
Compulsive skin picking isn’t just a bad habit—it can be part of a cycle that temporarily eases distress but ultimately leads to more frustration and skin
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC