Do You Check the Locks More Than Twice Before Leaving? That Might Be OCD

Locking the door once isn’t enough. You check it again. Then again. And even as you walk away, your brain whispers that something might go wrong if you don’t go back and do it one more time.

That’s the kind of mental loop people with OCD live with—not out of habit, but out of fear they can’t shake. It’s not about being tidy or particular—it’s a mental health condition that can take over someone’s daily life, making simple tasks feel exhausting.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition marked by persistent, intrusive thoughts—called obsessions—and repetitive behaviors or mental acts known as compulsions. These symptoms can take up a significant part of the day and often interfere with work, relationships, and overall quality of life.

OCD affects an estimated 1% to 3% of the global population. The condition is driven by anxiety and the urge to neutralize it through compulsive actions—whether it’s checking, counting, cleaning, or mentally replaying scenarios. Jonathan Abramowitz, PhD, professor of clinical psychology at the University of North Carolina, emphasizes that OCD doesn’t mean someone is beyond help.

“Everyone has unwanted thoughts and anxiety,” he says. “The whole idea of really overcoming OCD is learning that you can tolerate these experiences, and they don’t have to stop you from doing what’s important in your life.”

The cause of OCD is complex, involving a mix of cognitive, genetic, and neurological factors. Diagnosis can be tricky, especially since symptoms often overlap with other mental health conditions like anxiety or depression. In many cases, OCD occurs alongside other psychiatric disorders, which makes a thorough assessment critical for effective treatment.

How OCD Affects Daily Life

Living with OCD means that everyday tasks can feel overwhelming and take a lot longer than they should. People with OCD often get stuck in cycles of repetitive thoughts and actions, which can mess with work, school, and relationships.

For example, someone might check if the stove is off multiple times, even though they’ve already checked it. It’s not about being overly cautious—it’s a fear that something bad might happen if they don’t repeat the action.

Research shows how much OCD can interfere with daily life. One study found that over 60% of people with OCD say it significantly impacts their work, social life, and daily routines. Another study found that people with OCD are more likely to miss work and struggle with productivity compared to those without the disorder.

Social life can also be difficult. Fears of germs, harm, or making mistakes can make it hard to be around people, often leading to isolation and stress.

Even mental rituals—like counting or double-checking thoughts—can make it hard to focus on the present moment. The constant anxiety that comes with OCD can affect everything leaving people feeling drained and frustrated.

Is OCD Lifetime

OCD doesn’t typically fade on its own, and for most people, it’s a lifelong condition. However, the severity of symptoms can vary over time. Some people may experience periods where their OCD symptoms are less intense, while others might struggle with them consistently.

With treatment, particularly a combination of therapy and medication, many individuals can manage their symptoms effectively. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), especially a type called Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), has been shown to reduce symptoms significantly. Medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can also help manage the condition.

While OCD may not completely go away, with proper treatment, people can lead fulfilling lives and keep their symptoms under control.

Final Words

OCD can take control in ways you might not expect, making even simple tasks feel overwhelming. It often traps people in a cycle of fear and repeated actions, disrupting work, relationships, and daily routines. While it may never fully disappear, symptoms can change over time, sometimes easing with the right treatment. New therapies offer hope, and managing OCD means learning to face fears without letting them rule your life. With support, life can move forward—one step at a time.