Anyone else have OCD that is more sensory / urge-driven
I’m wondering if anyone else deals with OCD that is mostly sensory, body-focused, and driven by urges rather than intrusive thoughts & rumination..
My compulsions tend to center around my own body and sensory/sensation regulation.
Examples of my compulsions are tapping or moving symmetrically until it feels “just right” (sometimes after intrusive thoughts but usually just bc I get the urge). If I accidentally bump one side of my body into something I feel like I have to even it out and bump the other. Brushing my teeth until it feels “just right” even until it makes my gums bleed or sore. Picking my fingers (also sometimes with intrusive thoughts but sometimes just an urge). Motor repetition in general. Food avoidance related to contamination fears. Over-explaining until I feel finished. Humming when uncomfortable sensory wise or when I have an intrusive thought.
Basically what I’m saying is there isn’t always a specific intrusive thought attached to my compulsions. Often it’s more like a tension, sensory discomfort, or something feels wrong or incomplete.
Sometimes I feel like it’s not “really” ocd because I don’t struggle as much with the obsession part as I do the compulsion part.
Can anyone relate?
Posted Feb 25, 2026, 5:32 AM UTC