Talk to Psychiatry on Is It OCD Or Something Else?
Asking for Self, Female, 20 years old, Soombri
Hello Doctor,
I have been struggling with something that is affecting my daily life. We have animals at home, and my family members often touch them and then touch household items like phones, doors, furniture, and other objects without washing their hands. According to my understanding of Islamic cleanliness (taharah), I start feeling that everything they touch has become religiously impure (najis), even if there is no visible dirt. Because of this, I feel the need to wash my hands after touching almost anything.
I also spend a very long time bathing (around 2 hours) and using the bathroom because I worry about water splashes and whether I remain religiously pure according to Islamic teachings. These thoughts cause me a lot of anxiety, and I feel compelled to wash or repeat my actions until they feel "right."
This problem has become overwhelming and is interfering with my daily life. I would like to know whether this could be related to OCD (especially scrupulosity/religious OCD) or another anxiety-related condition, and what treatment or therapy you would recommend.
Thank you.
Anum Riaz - Psychologist
M.Phil. Applied Psychology | Islamabad
Struggling with persistent doubts about cleanliness, taharah, and spending hours in rituals is incredibly exhausting, but please know you are not alone—what you are describing aligns very closely with religious OCD (scrupulosity), which is a highly treatable condition. It is completely understandable to feel overwhelmed by these constant, anxiety-inducing doubts, but with professional therapy, we can work together using targeted strategies to break this exhausting cycle of repetitive washing and help you regain your peace of mind. I am here to support you through this, and you can easily schedule a session with me by searching my profile on Marham or messaging me directly on WhatsApp at 042-34500888, to book your appointment.
AOAWRWB thank you for reaching out at Marham. I understand this must be a very difficult situation for you. OCD needs detailed assessment about both thoughts and rituals along with details about other associated symptoms. Kindly book appointment for detailed assessment and management.
Rizwan Ali Khan - Clinical Psychologist
| MSc (Psychology) | MS (Clinical Psychology) | Certified (Crucial Conversations) | | Lahore
83 Positive Reviews
Treating worldwide successfully Just click on video consultation at your doorstep just press a button video consultation I will give you a list of possible solutions pick the best one Apply and Enjoy Good Health Forever InshaAllah
First, please take a deep breath. It is incredibly exhausting to carry this level of anxiety every day, especially when it turns acts of devotion and home life into a source of constant tension.
To answer your question directly: Yes, what you are describing strongly aligns with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), specifically a subtype known as scrupulosity or religious OCD. For the treatment you need psychological sessions and therapies, if you want than kindly consult me
Asst. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ayub Baloch Gold Medalist - Psychiatrist
MBBS, FCPS Psychiatry ( Gold-Medalist ), Fellow, College of Physicians & Surgeons, Pakistan, Certificated Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. Consultant Psychiatrist & Expert in the treatment of Psychiatric, Neuropsychiatric, Drug addiction & Sexual disorders | Karachi
545 Positive Reviews
آپ کی تکلیف سمجھ آتی ہے؛ بار بار ناپاکی کا خوف، ہاتھ دھونا اور دو گھنٹے غسل میں لگنا واقعی زندگی کو بہت محدود کر سکتا ہے۔ یہ علامات OCD، سے ملتی جلتی ہو سکتی ہیں، مگر حتمی تشخیص مکمل assessment کے بعد ہی ہوگی۔ مؤثر ہوتی ہے، بار بار reassurance نہ لیں۔ Marham پر psychiatrist یسے تفصیلی assessment کرائیں؛ مناسب علاج سے واضح بہتری ممکن ہے۔
ڈسکلیمر: یہ آن لائن معلومات عمومی رہنمائی کے لیے ہیں، مکمل تشخیص یا ذاتی علاج کا متبادل نہیں۔ شدید یا مسلسل علامات میں مستند ماہر سے براہِ راست رابطہ کریں۔
Asst. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ayub Baloch Gold Medalist - Psychiatrist
MBBS, FCPS Psychiatry ( Gold-Medalist ), Fellow, College of Physicians & Surgeons, Pakistan, Certificated Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. Consultant Psychiatrist & Expert in the treatment of Psychiatric, Neuropsychiatric, Drug addiction & Sexual disorders | Karachi
545 Positive Reviews
آپ کی تکلیف سمجھ آتی ہے؛ بار بار ناپاکی کا خوف، ہاتھ دھونا اور دو گھنٹے غسل میں لگنا واقعی زندگی کو بہت محدود کر سکتا ہے۔ یہ علامات OCD، سے ملتی جلتی ہو سکتی ہیں، مگر حتمی تشخیص مکمل assessment کے بعد ہی ہوگی۔ مؤثر ہوتی ہے، بار بار reassurance نہ لیں۔ Marham پر psychiatrist یسے تفصیلی assessment کرائیں؛ مناسب علاج سے واضح بہتری ممکن ہے۔
ڈسکلیمر: یہ آن لائن معلومات عمومی رہنمائی کے لیے ہیں، مکمل تشخیص یا ذاتی علاج کا متبادل نہیں۔ شدید یا مسلسل علامات میں مستند ماہر سے براہِ راست رابطہ کریں۔
Farhana Shams - Clinical Psychologist
BS.Hons (Psychology), Post Graduate Diploma (Clinical Psychologist), M.Phil (Applied Psychology) | Mansehra
130 Positive Reviews
Yes these are symptoms of ocd. Consult a clinical psychologist for proper assessment and therapy sessions. You can also book an appointment with me. Thank you
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