I THINK I'm vocalizing out loud, but I KNOW I'm not

[Coreen]

Hi!  My question is regarding the fact that I think that I am making loud vocalizations,  when I am positive that I am not,  yet I can't rid myself of the doubt that I feel when I think it has happened.  The first time it occured I was in a philosophy lecture and had smoked marijuana prior to attending the lecture. The professor was staring at me (he was thinking about a question a student had asked and therefore, more accurately was staring 'through' me),  but I suddenly had a panicking feeling that I had yelled some nonsense gibberish out loud and had to leave the lecture to compose myself.  I know for certain that it did not occur as my friend would have told me......
Since then,  I often have the feeling that I am doing this even when I am not high,  especially at times when things are quiet like in a lecture or when I am by myself somewhere.  I am not particularily distressed about it,  but the thought is intrusive.  I don't engage in any behaviour associated with obsessions/compulsions as a result of the thoughts,  I just ignore them as I know that the action has not really occured (although I still have self-doubt) I am a 4th year psychology student hoping this is stress related.  Thank-you for your time :)

[HFHS.MD-AJ]

Coreen,

It must be difficult coping with the intrusive thoughts and self-doubt that you are experiencing. These may be obsessions. A diagnosis of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) requires the presence of obsessions and/or compulsions, but not necessarily both. For more information about OCD, please refer to a question posted by Jerry on 11/21/99, with response by HFHS.MD-SW on 11/23/99.

It is unclear how much your marijuana use may be contributing to your symptoms. I urge you to discontinue the use of marijuana, and seek evaluation by a mental health professional.

[Allison]

OCD does not always include particular "behaviors."  Some OCD sufferers are "true obsessionals" which means you are bothered by irrational obsessive thoughts without compulsive actions.  That's what I am.  Sounds like that may be your problems.

Oh, and by the way, if you're so truly concerned about your own well-being, try giving up the pot.  You're frying your brain.

[Coreen]

Thanks for the advice Allison,  but I don't think that the pot is my problem.  I am not and have never been an excessive user,  nor do I believe that it is frying my brain any more than the toxins I am exposed to daily such as pollution, household products,  pesticides etc.,  which I think are probably worse.  It is too bad though to hear that "you are" your diagnosis.