How do people with OCD behave?

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by persistent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and behaviors (compulsions) that cause distress and interfere with a person's ability to function. People with OCD often have rituals and routines that they feel they must follow to reduce their anxiety or the perceived risk of harm. The presence of intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors is a defining feature of OCD.

Here are some common behaviors associated with OCD:

1. Repetitive Checking: Individuals may repeatedly check appliances to make sure they're turned off, look at stove knobs to ensure they're not on, or check door locks to ensure they're securely locked.

2. Excessive Washing and Cleaning: People with OCD may engage in excessive cleaning rituals, such as repeatedly washing their hands, clothes, or household surfaces, out of fear of contamination or germs.

3. Symmetry and Ordering: Individuals may have a strong need for order and symmetry in their environment, becoming distressed when things are not placed or arranged in a specific way.

4. Mental Compulsions: Some individuals may experience mental compulsions like counting, repeating words or phrases, or having mental rituals they feel they must complete.

5. Hoarding: People with OCD may exhibit hoarding tendencies, where they accumulate a large amount of possessions, even if they're useless or of little value.

6. Fear of Contamination: Individuals may have an intense fear of contamination, avoiding touching certain surfaces or objects and going to great lengths to avoid perceived sources of contamination.

7. Rumination: Individuals with OCD may engage in excessive and repetitive thinking about specific events, ideas, or worries.

8. Ritualized Avoidance: People with OCD may avoid certain places or situations that trigger their obsessions or make them feel anxious and compelled to perform certain rituals.

9. Excessive Orderliness: Individuals may exhibit an extreme need for neatness and precision, feeling the need to organize and arrange their belongings in a particular way.

It's important to note that these are just a few examples of behaviors that may be associated with OCD. The specific manifestations of OCD can vary widely from person to person, and individual experiences can differ greatly. If you or someone you know exhibits persistent, intrusive thoughts and behaviors that are causing significant distress, it is recommended to seek professional help for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.