OCD is an anxiety disorder marked by obsessions (distressing, repetitive thoughts) and compulsions (behaviors intended to reduce anxiety). While these behaviors may bring temporary relief, they often reinforce anxiety in the long run.

Common Obsessions:

Obsessions often center around fear, doubt, or the need for control. Examples include:

• Contamination fears: Worrying about germs, illness, or spreading contamination to others

• Harm-related thoughts: Fear of accidentally or intentionally hurting yourself or someone else

• Perfectionism: Feeling an intense need for things to be “just right” or symmetrical

• Doubt and responsibility: Worrying you made a mistake, forgot something, or caused harm

• Religious or moral concerns (scrupulosity): Fear of offending God, sinning, or being morally “bad”

• Intrusive taboo thoughts: Unwanted images or impulses that go against your values (e.g., sexual, violent, or blasphemous thoughts)

Common Compulsions:

Compulsions are the actions — physical or mental — that people perform to relieve anxiety caused by obsessions. Examples include:

• Checking: Repeatedly verifying that doors are locked, appliances are off, or mistakes haven’t been made

• Cleaning or washing: Excessive handwashing, showering, or cleaning surfaces

• Repeating: Performing an action a certain number of times or until it “feels right”

• Mental rituals: Silently repeating phrases, counting, or “canceling” bad thoughts with good ones

• Reassurance seeking: Asking others for confirmation that everything is okay or that no harm was done

• Arranging or ordering: Organizing objects until they are perfectly aligned or symmetrical