“Just Right” OCD

"Just Right" OCD is characterized by the persistent need to achieve a specific feeling of completion or correctness. Unlike other forms of OCD, which are often driven by a fear of harm or danger, this subtype is marked by an intense discomfort when things don’t feel “just right.” For individuals with this condition, moving forward in daily activities may be nearly impossible without engaging in compulsive behaviors aimed at achieving a particular sensation of order or balance.

This type of OCD is often linked to perfectionism or the need for things to feel complete. The core fear is not one of external danger, but the internal anxiety of feeling unsettled or “off.” The individual might think, “I won't be able to focus or feel comfortable unless I make things just right.”

In some cases, the compulsions can be body-focused. This is often referred to as Tourettic OCD, where the person feels discomfort or tension in a specific area of the body and is compelled to engage in certain movements to relieve that feeling. For example, they may feel the need to adjust their posture or move in a particular way to rid themselves of this sensation.

Other common compulsions may include repeatedly going in and out of doorways, turning lights or faucets on and off, repeating words or phrases, tapping or touching objects, re-reading or re-writing text, rewatching or relistening to media, and frequently picking things up and putting them down. These repetitive behaviors are not just minor annoyances; they can significantly interfere with a person’s daily life, affecting their performance at school, work, and in social interactions.

Ultimately, individuals with "Just Right" OCD often find themselves stuck in a cycle of compulsions, unable to move forward or engage in their daily routines until they feel that specific, elusive sensation of "rightness."