Symptoms of OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER

Obsessions and/or compulsions that consume more than an hour a day. They cause significant distress or impairment. Obsessions are recurrent thoughts and attempts to ignore or resist them are unsuccessful. Obsessions include: thoughts of violence, fears of infection (from germs, dirt, etc.), doubts (is the front door shut, locked; is the iron on), excessive orderliness or symmetry, and constant brooding (over a word, phrase or unanswerable problem). Compulsions (actions) are repetitive, purposeful behaviors in response to the thoughts (obsessions) in an attempt to neutralize the thought and include: checking in response to doubt (locks, doors, windows), hand washing, counting, hoarding, and repeaters such as dressing rituals.