Constantly scratching something

[DumbledoreKnows]

Since I was a baby I had this tic of playing with something on top of my fingers. It started with a blanket that I had when I was a child. It never stopped. Now I terrorise the hands of a teddy bear /don't laugh/. The closest example I can think of is that it feels/looks like a cat scratching its nails. I thought it might be stress and anxiety, but I do it all the time. Can anyone think of a psychological explanation?

 

[Concernedgal]

Hi. This answer aludes me. Probably (if i had to guess) it's like a security blanket. It's just something you do because of your anxiety. You like to scratch things just like I constantly grind my teeth. It also kinda sounds like a form of ocd. Obsessive compulsive disorder.

 

[DumbledoreKnows]

I read bout OCD and I do have most of the obsessions:
Distress about coming into contact with dirt, germs, sticky substances.
I have a strong need for symmetry and exactness.A need to have items ordered in a certain way (for example, according to color, size, or facing a certain direction). I'm anxious because "it just doesn't feel right".
A need for perfection. I can't start doing homework . To start doing homework I have to first clean and arrange everything in my room so nothing can distract me.
I also have the washing behaviour where I wipe the toilet before sitting every time even at home or especially in public toilets I place toilet paper before sitting.
Ordering/arranging I arrange items in specific ways
And last the thing I wrote about in the post.
Thank you for your answer! It makes sense now.

 

[Concernedgal]

Your welcome. Sorry I couldn't be more help.

 

[janemariesayed]

Since I was a baby I had this tic of playing with something on top of my fingers. It started with a blanket that I had when I was a child. It never stopped. Now I terrorise the hands of a teddy bear /don't laugh/. The closest example I can think of is that it feels/looks like a cat scratching its nails. I thought it might be stress and anxiety, but I do it all the time. Can anyone think of a psychological explanation?

At first it sounds like the feeling of the blanket on top of your fingers gave you some kind of comfort. It may have been that you felt stressed or bothered about something and to do something that comforted you made you feel better. So this carried on throughout your life and has further manifested as a stronger ocd.