Is this from OCD?

Although I haven't visited my doctor yet (I'm going to soon), I'm pretty certain that I have OCD. I know the rituals are characteristic of OCD, but I was wondering about something else that really bothers me:

I have an absolute obsession with "newness." When something of mine loses its perfection, I get really upset.

For example, I got a new car in March. Unfortunately, I don't like to drive it, because I'm afraid the seats will get worn, the tires will wear down, and more miles will be added. I was thinking about visiting family members at the shore this week, but I don't want to put 50 miles on my car (and it doesn't have anything to do with the high gas prices). I also have some weird issue about changing/modifying something that is new. I still have the dealer tag on my key, because I don't want to remove it. I also have never actually cleaned the inside with any type of chemical, because I'm afraid that the car will lose the original smell.

I'm very similar with my clothes. I have nice clothes from good stores, but I don't wear any of them. I'm so afraid that they'll lose color in the washing machine or not look as perfect as they once did. I literally have a few outfits that I wear, but my nice clothes, I don't touch.

I also notice this with my teeth. I have to brush and brush and brush...it takes me forever. I don't know why I do these things, but I seem to get anxious about something bad happening if my desire for newness is disturbed.

Yes that obsession and compulsion. But I don't know if what you have is just an anxiety disorder or a personality disorder. It might be the latter if you tend to be OC with the rest of the other things in your life.

But I can't make no recommendation because I can't get rid of my OCness and when I do. It was negative.

Hi Chris87,

Your OCD is causing your anxiety and your anxiety feeds your OCD.

Much that I see in my OCD has to do with control. Being out of control causes me anxiety which causes me to try to control everything--not a realistic goal I know.

I have been taking Celexa for the OCD and other depressive issues. It is not a cure-all and doesn't work for all people. But sometimes meds are helpful in the treatment of OCD as well as being able to recognize the triggers.

Best wishes,