I really think I have OCD.

yup its ocd the cleaning disorder kind i have ocd too but mines evil twisted thoughts and fears of not being saved when i am

Looks like for now, you're going to need some hand cream for your hands. Some habits, you can work on snapping out of without even visiting a psychiatrist. For instance, when you switch off the cooker, don't look back but head straight to bed. Obviously where there is smoke, your kitchen alarm should go off immediately, so don't worry about repeating that part.

I have OCD, and yes, what you're describing does very much sound like it.

In my experience, more serious bouts of OCD are triggered by stress or other unresolved issues. Is this a new problem you're dealing with, or something that has been going on for a longer time?

SnowTiger said:

It isn't bacteria and illnesses that really cause me trouble. It's just an abstract feeling that certain things are dirty. Because I feel like so many things are dirty I normally wash my hands upwards of 20-25 times per day.

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It's okay, SnowTiger. I do, too.

I mean, if it bothers you that much personally, then sure you might want to see if your psychiatrist will help you in that somehow. It's just that, considering what other things we have seen you suffering from over the time you have been here, for me personally an ocd over personal cleanliness and all doesn't seem nearly as crippling or harmful to physical and/or mental health.

SnowTiger said:

My psychiatrist doesn't seem to want to tack on additional diagnoses, but I'm really struggling with what I believe is OCD.

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Next time you talk with him, point out he is not helping you by hiding or denying your diagnosis.

Fine if he is going to treat you two illnesses for the price of one !

Not so good if you do yourself harm.

Do have a look at the ideas in 25 tips they will help you with OCD.

SnowTiger said:

Hi,

I have already been diagnosed with schizophrenia. My psychiatrist doesn't seem to want to tack on additional diagnoses, but I'm really struggling with what I believe is OCD.

My main symptom is an extreme fear of dirtiness. It isn't bacteria and illnesses that really cause me trouble. It's just an abstract feeling that certain things are dirty. Because I feel like so many things are dirty I normally wash my hands upwards of 20-25 times per day. Lately my hands have been becoming very dried out due to the hand washing. I also have to clean my clothing very often as well. Like once I get the feeling that a piece of clothing is dirty I have to change and put it in the wash. Sometimes this means going through multiple pairs of clothing every day.

I also have to check certain things very often. I have to check that the front and back doors of the house are locked several times every day. I also have to check the upstairs and downstairs sinks to make sure the water isn't running. I also have to check that all the nobs on the stove are turned to off.

Does this all sound like OCD? My psychiatrist doesn't want to diagnose me with another mental illness, but I feel like I need to do something, especially about the hand washing because my hands are becoming really dry.

Thank you very much,

SnowTiger

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Washing and checking are both CLASSIC compulsions for OCD. Look into ERP therapy if you'd like to get professional help for your OCD; and in any case, learn more about OCD and how to treat it. I'd be willing to share advice or answer questions if you'd like. Hand-washing was my very first compulsion, way back when my OCD started!! Here is a link to lots and lots of resources about OCD for you to explore, or if you're looking for something specific, let me know! Resources – OCD Aware

I am a new member and I also have suffered with OCD throughout my life, including a hyper religious phase in my teens. The OCD became so bad it led to nearly twenty years of atheism, which I have recently abandoned to accept salvation, the gift of Christ.
As a teen I agonized over doubts concerning God and salvation, and I have come to the startling conclusion that matter how hard I try, my repentance, faith, love, and effort will always be imperfect, and that is the entire point. It isn't about what I've done, it's about what Christ has done.
"Lord I believe, but help my unbelief."
When you doubt, all you can do is trust.
I've hated OCD all of my life, but I thank God for this thorn in my mind. Without it, I would have never understood that ultimately, all I have to do is trust with my imperfect trust to the best of my ability, and He will do the rest.
Take the leap of faith if you dare, and ignore the OCD. Obsessive people like us get extra opportunities every day to trust Christ even more. Let the OCD work to glorify God. It is another opportunity for Him to overcome your life, if you allow it. Take that leap of faith and trust, friend.
"Lord, my faith,my trust ,and my efforts are all imperfect, and always will be. The only perfection in me, is you, Christ. I cannot overcome, you must do it for me. I will wait on you to do Your will on me. My only certainty, is you, Jesus. In Your name I pray, Amen."
I had been waiting all my life to let go, and I did.

I haven’t been officially diagnosed, but I have a list as well lol. I brush my teeth for at least 30 minutes every night, I have to make sure my guitar amp is unplugged and every cable is removed, make sure all the lights are off and doors are locked, every ceiling fan that is not being used should be off, the cable box needs to be off, the rug between the kitchen and the living room needs to be straight so my parents don’t trip on it, the stove needs to be off, the sinks need to be off, the garage door needs to be down, refrigerator door needs to be closed. My counselor really helped me a lot, and many nights I do everything and I’ve gotten good about checking just once, though the tooth brushing is still a problem. Just try to check everything only once. It’s going to be agonizing, but if you keep checking everything, you’re not helping yourself. Try not to double or triple check.