Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) features a pattern of unwanted thoughts and fears (obsessions) that lead you to do repetitive behaviors (compulsions). These obsessions and compulsions interfere with daily activities and cause significant distress.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is characterized by unreasonable thoughts and fears (obsessions) that lead to compulsive behaviors.
OCD often centers on themes such as a fear of germs or the need to arrange objects in a specific manner. Symptoms usually begin gradually and vary throughout life.

Many people who have OCD know that their thoughts and habits don’t make sense. They don’t do them because they enjoy them, but because they can’t quit. And if they stop, they feel so bad that they start again.

Obsessive thoughts can include:

Worries about yourself or other people getting hurt
Constant awareness of blinking, breathing, or other body sensations
Suspicion that a partner is unfaithful, with no reason to believe it
Compulsive habits can include:

Doing tasks in a specific order every time or a certain “good” number of times
Needing to count things, like steps or bottles
Fear of touching doorknobs, using public toilets, or shaking hands