OCD is a mental health condition marked by intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors that create distress and disrupt everyday life.
Key Takeaways:
- Common obsessions include fears of contamination, harm, or losing control, while compulsions may involve checking, cleaning, or repeating actions.
- OCD symptoms can also affect physical health (fatigue, tension), emotional well-being (anxiety, shame), and behavior (avoidance, secrecy).
- Evidence-based treatments like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) are highly effective in managing OCD.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is more than just being neat or particular—it’s a mental health condition that can significantly interfere with daily life. People with OCD experience persistent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and engage in repetitive behaviors (compulsions) in an effort to manage the distress those thoughts cause.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the most common OCD symptoms, how they show up in daily life, and when it might be time to seek help.
Common Symptoms of OCD
Here are some of the most frequent signs of OCD:
- Obsessive fears about contamination, harm, or symmetry
- Compulsive behaviors like checking, counting, or washing
- Avoidance of certain situations or objects that trigger anxiety
- Physical symptoms like fatigue or muscle tension
- Emotional distress, including anxiety, shame, or guilt
OCD symptoms can range in intensity and often shift over time. Some people may experience only obsessions, others only compulsions, and many deal with both.
1. Obsessions
Obsessions are recurring thoughts, images, or urges that feel intrusive and cause significant anxiety. Even when a person recognizes these thoughts are irrational, they can’t easily dismiss them.
Common examples of obsessions include:
- Fear of contamination from germs, dirt, or chemicals
- Intense worry about accidentally harming oneself or others
- Persistent doubts (e.g., “Did I lock the door?”)
- Unwanted aggressive or taboo thoughts
- A need for symmetry, order, or exactness
These thoughts can become so consuming that they disrupt work, relationships, and daily routines.
2. Compulsions
Compulsions are repetitive actions or mental rituals that someone with OCD feels driven to perform to reduce anxiety or “undo” a perceived threat. While compulsions may bring temporary relief, they reinforce the cycle and often grow more time-consuming over time.
Examples of compulsions include:
- Excessive hand-washing or cleaning
- Repeatedly checking locks, appliances, or personal items
- Counting, tapping, or repeating words silently
- Arranging objects until they feel “just right”
- Seeking reassurance from others
People with OCD often know these actions aren’t truly solving the problem, but feel unable to stop.
3. Emotional, Physical, and Behavioral Symptoms
OCD doesn’t just affect thoughts and behaviors. It can also lead to broader symptoms that affect physical health and emotional well-being.
Physical symptoms:
- Fatigue from constant mental activity
- Muscle tension or headaches
- Sleep disturbances
Behavioral symptoms:
- Avoiding situations that trigger obsessions
- Difficulty concentrating or completing tasks
- Hiding rituals from others due to shame
Emotional symptoms:
- Anxiety and panic
- Shame, guilt, or disgust
- Depression related to the burden of symptoms
Symptoms of OCD in Children and Teens
OCD can begin in childhood or adolescence. Recognizing symptoms early can make a big difference.
Signs of OCD in children include:
- Repetitive questioning or seeking reassurance
- Rituals during daily tasks (e.g., bedtime routines)
- Difficulty focusing at school
- Avoiding specific people, places, or activities
Children may not be able to articulate their fears clearly, so behaviors might appear as defiance or anxiety. A child psychologist can help assess and treat OCD in a developmentally appropriate way.
When to Seek Help for OCD
Everyone has strange thoughts from time to time or double-checks the stove. But when these thoughts and behaviors become distressing, time-consuming, or interfere with daily life, it may be OCD.
The good news: OCD is treatable. Evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) have helped thousands reduce symptoms and regain control.
At Weston Family Psychology, we provide personalized OCD treatment using these proven methods. Our team includes highly trained clinicians who work with children, teens, and adults.
You don’t have to keep living in mental overdrive. Schedule a consultation to explore the support and treatment that can help you feel more like yourself again.
