Checking behavior is a common symptom seen in individuals struggling with anxiety and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). It often involves repetitive actions—such as verifying that doors are locked, appliances are turned off, or tasks have been completed correctly—driven by a need to reduce uncertainty, prevent perceived harm, or alleviate anxiety associated with distressing thoughts. While checking may provide temporary relief, it typically reinforces anxiety over time and can become time-consuming or impair daily functioning. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), particularly Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), is the gold standard treatment for reducing checking behaviors by helping individuals gradually face feared situations without engaging in compulsions, thereby building tolerance for uncertainty and restoring confidence in their ability to manage anxiety.
