There are two main types of symptoms associated with OCD:
Obsessions:
These are unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that repeatedly intrude into the mind.
Common obsessions include:
- Fear of contamination due to germs or illness, leading to excessive handwashing or avoidance of certain objects.
- Worry about hurting others, including one’s own children or causing harm in a car accident.
- Preoccupation with order or following specific patterns.
- Sexual or pornographic thoughts.
- Concerns about forgetting to lock doors or turn off appliances.
- Obsessions related to religious or moral issues.
Compulsions:
These are repetitive behaviors or rituals carried out to reduce anxiety related to obsessions.
Common compulsions include:
- Excessive handwashing, showering, or house cleaning due to fear of germs.
- Continual checking of things (e.g., taps, locks, light switches) to prevent damage or maintain order.
- Counting items or objects obsessively.
- Hair pulling, resulting in hair loss.
- Skin picking.
- Hoarding random objects like junk mail or old newspapers.
- Seeking constant reassurance from others.
