Q: I have noticed for about the past 2 years that I do odd things. I thought they were just habits, but I feel now like they are turning into more….I’m starting to wonder if I have OCD (compulsion). For example..EVERYTIME I walk in my room I have to look at my dresser mirror and place my hands over my mouth almost like im “blowing a kiss” or “wiping my face”. Then I walk over and look in my other mirrior and do the same. Even if I am running in quick to grab a pair of shoes, I have to do it. Sometimes when I’m just lying on my bed, I often get up to do it. Is this a sign of OCD?

A: I’m sorry. I can’t offer a diagnosis on the basis of a letter. If you were one of my office clients, I would certainly want to explore this further with you because the behavior you are describing is consistent with OCD.

Here’s the good news. If it is OCD and doing this ritual is taking an undue amount of time out of your life and/or if it bothers you, there are medicines that can help tone it down. I suggest you see a psychiatrist and tell him or her what you told me. The doctor will then tell you options for treatment. If it doesn’t particularly bother you that you do this, you don’t have to do a thing. It’s a curious impulse, to be sure, but it doesn’t hurt anybody.
I wish you well.
Dr. Marie

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Last reviewed: By John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on 10 Jul 2006