Checking Compulsions

Checking compulsions are also common as a result of obsessions driven by a problematic sense of responsibility and memory distrust, from repetitive checking of stoves, lights, and doors, fearing they are unlocked or not turned off, but also in the form of scrutiny of memories and bodily sensations, among other compulsive behaviours. Read more below.

OCD & Checking: Symptoms

Obsessions:
 

• Doubt and Uncertainty: Persistent doubt about whether a task or action has been completed properly.

• Fear of Harm: Anxiety about potential harm due to negligence or oversight.

• Magical Thinking: Belief that performing certain actions can prevent harm.
   

Compulsions: Checking compulsions involve repetitive behaviours or mental acts that individuals with OCD perform to alleviate anxiety or prevent a feared event. Checking is a response to obsessive doubts and serves as a way to gain reassurance and certainty.
 

• Repetitive Checking: Checking and rechecking tasks, emails, thoughts, items.

• Counting Rituals: Counting actions or items as a way to prevent harm.

• Mental Checking: Repeatedly reviewing thoughts or actions mentally.

• ​Repetitive Checking of Doors and Locks: Repeatedly checking whether doors, windows, or other entry points are locked.

• Appliance Checking: Constantly verifying that household appliances are turned off.

• Verification of Personal Items:

• Wallet or Purse Checking: Repeatedly checking the contents of a wallet or purse to ensure nothing is missing.

• Key Checking: Verifying the presence and location of keys multiple times.

• Rechecking Tasks: Double-checking that electronic devices are turned off or unplugged; repeatedly checking gas or water outlets to ensure they are turned off; constantly verifying the status of home security systems.

• Body Checking: Repeatedly checking one's body for signs of illness or abnormalities.

• Medical Test Checking: Constantly seeking medical tests or examinations to confirm health.

• Financial Checking: Repeatedly checking bank statements or financial records for errors, or verifying financial transactions multiple times.

• Reassurance-Seeking: Seeking reassurance from others about the completion of tasks or the safety of the environment is a common cognitive aspect of checking compulsions. Reassurance provides temporary relief but reinforces the cycle.

Characteristics of Checking Compulsions:

Time-Consuming: Engaging in checking rituals can be time-consuming, leading to delays in daily activities or routines.

Interference with Daily Life: Compulsive checking can interfere with work, social activities, and relationships, causing distress and frustration.

Temporary Relief: While checking behaviours provide temporary relief, the distress usually returns, leading to a cycle of repetitive rituals.

Impact on Relationships: Repeated checking can strain relationships, as partners, family members, or friends may find the behaviours frustrating or disruptive.

​

Variability in Intensity: The intensity and frequency of checking compulsions can vary among individuals. Some may engage in overt, observable checking behaviours, while others may perform covert mental rituals.

Memory Distrust in OCD: Memory distrust in OCD refers to the lack of confidence or trust in one's own memory. Individuals with OCD may doubt their ability to accurately remember whether they performed certain actions, leading to persistent uncertainty and anxiety.​ Memory distrust plays a significant role in the development and maintenance of checking compulsions. Individuals may experience intrusive doubts about whether they have completed specific tasks or taken certain precautions.​ Memory distrust contributes to the need for checking. Individuals may doubt their ability to remember whether they completed specific actions, leading to repetitive and ritualistic checking to alleviate uncertainty.

Catastrophic Thinking: Individuals with OCD often engage in catastrophic thinking, imagining the worst possible consequences if they fail to check or if their memory is inaccurate. This further fuels the need for checking behaviours.