Compulsively counting objects or actions is a common symptom of OCD. Exposure therapy can help you develop coping mechanisms when you encounter triggers.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterized by obsessions and compulsions.

Obsessions are intrusive and unwanted thoughts, sensations, and urges that cause fear, anxiety, and discomfort. Compulsions are behaviors you cannot resist engaging in, which bring relief from the feelings that obsessions can cause.

It’s common for OCD obsessions to follow a specific theme, sometimes called a subtype. Counting OCD is one example of an OCD subtype. It involves obsessions related to counting, followed by behaviors like compulsive counting. That said, compulsive counting can also be a symptom of other OCD subtypes.

This article explores what counting in OCD looks like, including counting as an OCD theme, and how to find treatments that may help you better manage your compulsive counting.

Yes. When someone has OCD, they engage in behaviors called compulsions as a way to reduce the anxiety and discomfort that their obsessions cause.

Counting is a common compulsion in many different subtypes of OCD, and it can take many different forms. While themes like counting aren’t part of an official OCD diagnosis, they are commonly accepted as unofficial subtypes.

Some people with OCD, including a theme referred to as magical thinking OCD, may compulsively count because they believe that certain numbers are meaningful. For example, they may feel that specific numbers are lucky or unlucky or that some numbers are good while others are bad.

Other people with OCD, such as those with perfectionism or a subtype called just right OCD, may count numbers or items according to what feels “just right” for them. Others with the condition may just count items, objects, or behaviors because they simply feel the urge to do so.

Counting compulsions can differ from person to person, and there’s no one specific behavior that everyone with OCD does. Some people might count because it reduces their anxiety, while others count because it feels right to them.

Here are a few examples of what counting rituals might look like for people with different types of OCD:

  • counting the number of footsteps while walking
  • counting to a specific number over and over again
  • counting items, objects, or notifications on devices
  • moving or touching a body part a certain number of times
  • performing an activity or behavior a specific number of times
  • stopping an activity after doing it for an odd or even number of times
  • starting or stopping an activity when the clock reaches a certain time
  • counting certain numbers out loud or silently because they’re lucky or unlucky

Counting OCD, sometimes also called counting numbers OCD, is a specific subtype of OCD in which the theme of someone’s obsessions and compulsions involves counting.

Someone with counting OCD may experience intrusive thoughts or sensations that involve the urge or need for perfection, symmetry, or exactness. They may experience obsessions that involve “magical” numbers, such as good, bad, lucky, or unlucky numbers.

Just like with other forms of OCD, counting obsessions can cause people to feel anxious or uncomfortable, so they then engage in counting compulsions to bring relief.

The idea of constantly counting things may seem confusing or unproductive to people without OCD. But for someone living with the condition, these symptoms may affect quality of life. In fact, people with severe OCD may engage in counting compulsions so frequently that they find it difficult to do anything else.

The most important step in managing OCD is learning how to resist the urge to do compulsions, even if you may feel anxious or uncomfortable.

One of the ways to do this is through a therapy called exposure and response prevention (ERP). ERP is an approach in which you gradually face your OCD triggers while learning how to prevent the compulsive behaviors that follow. Research has shown that ERP is one of the most effective therapy options for treating OCD.

Some people with OCD may also benefit from other types of therapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy, to help manage anxiety and reframe thinking. And other procedures, like deep brain stimulation and transcranial magnetic stimulation, may also help reduce OCD symptoms.

Why am I constantly counting things?

If you’ve found yourself counting numbers, items, or even your own behaviors ― and you’re not able to stop ― it may be a symptom of an underlying condition like OCD. Getting the right diagnosis and treatment for the condition can help you better manage your symptoms.

Whether you’re looking for a diagnosis or just searching for treatment options for OCD, here are a few resources to get you started:

Counting is common in OCD, both as a specific theme called counting OCD and as a compulsion in people with different subtypes of OCD. Counting compulsions can include counting things like numbers, items, and even activities, and this compulsion can happen silently or out loud.

If you’ve been experiencing the symptoms of counting OCD or any other type of OCD, consider reaching out to a mental health professional to discuss your concerns. Together, you can explore the underlying cause of your symptoms and explore treatment options that may help.