What is obsessive-compulsive disorder?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am dealing with a compulsive behavior that tends to flare up whenever I can not recall certain words. In those moments, I start pressing on my forehead—particularly on what I believe are “forehead bumps” (two raised areas that are not visibly noticeable). Sporadically, I press quite forcefully with my hands on the upper part of my forehead and end up scratching myself in the process.

Additionally, I deliberately press on certain spots on my head—both on indentations and raised areas. I often run my fingers along so-called “forehead grooves,” which are channel-like indentations that start around the middle of the forehead at eye level and branch off asymmetrically toward the top of my forehead. I will also frequently run my hands across my forehead with pressure to feel these indentations and ridges. I do all this when I can not find the right words or feel “dumb,” and I also press on the back of my head or behind my ears in those moments.

Furthermore, I suspect this behavior has roots in my childhood. Back then, I visited an osteopath who touched various points on my head. After that treatment, I went through a strange phase where I reacted extremely emotionally to even minor issues.

I believe this experience left a deep imprint on my subconscious. Now I get the feeling that touching or scratching my head not only impacts my sense of self but also somehow affects my IQ—either positively or negatively. That is why I resort to these actions whenever I am struggling to remember a word.

I would love to hear a medical perspective on this phenomenon—especially whether this behavior could genuinely influence my IQ or my sense of self. Thanks in advance for any insights!

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

Pressing your head will not affect your intelligence. If there is any injury, then only intelligence will suffer. You have a compulsive personality, which causes you to press your head and scratch your forehead. It is not another problem; it is your OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder)-related symptoms, which are not dangerous to your intelligence.

People usually press and massage in common regions. It is not dumb, but rather numb due to OCD. And if you press, you feel better in numbness. Obsessive-compulsive disorder usually begins in childhood; therefore, it has its roots there and may worsen with particular events. It is a habit that makes you feel good and has a positive effect, whilst not doing it has the opposite consequence. Pressing and scratching the head is a common occurrence that has no bearing on intelligence.

I hope this helps.

Thank you and take care.

Regards.