Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Symptoms

By Mark Berman, Tue, July 26, 2011

Obsessive-compulsive disorder can be broken up into two categories -- obsessions and compulsions. The compulsive behavior often manifests itself to satisfy the obsessions.

The Mayo Clinic writes:

OCD obsessions are repeated, persistent and unwanted ideas, thoughts, images or impulses that you have involuntarily and that seem to make no sense.

OCD compulsions are repetitive behaviors that you feel driven to perform. These repetitive behaviors are meant to prevent or reduce anxiety related to your obsessions.

Obsessions often have themes to them, such as fear of contamination or dirt and having things orderly. There can also be aggressive or horrible impulses.

The resulting compulsion symptoms include:

-- Constantly washing your hands
-- Checking and rechecking things, such as making sure the oven is off or the doors are locked
-- Performing other actions repeatedly
-- Counting in patterns
-- The impulse to shout obscenities in inappropriate situations
-- The impulse or image of hurting your child

The Mayo Clinic says symptoms begin gradually and vary in severity throughout a person's life. They get worse during times of stress.

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