Obsessive Thoughts

• OCD sufferers repeatedly have images and thoughts about such things as sexual acts, violence, neatness, intruders and, most commonly, a fear of dirt and germs.
  
  

Compulsive Rituals

• Rituals are used to combat such thoughts and include repeatedly washing hands and other body parts, counting things over and over, checking locks and storing unnecessary items.
  
  

Uncontrollable Behaviors

• Such repetitive thoughts and rituals may seem strange to some, but are uncontrollable to an individual suffering from OCD. Sufferers are aware of these behaviors, and are usually ashamed of them.
  
  

Anxiety

• Although OCD sufferers may be aware of these behaviors, they get no pleasure from them. Their obsessions and compulsions cause severe anxiety that is obvious to others. Those with OCD must constantly engage in rituals to provide relief from anxiety.
  
  

Time Consumption

• Non-obsessive compulsive individuals may engage in these behaviors occasionally, which should not cause any alarm. Those who suffer from OCD will spend hours out of every day on these behaviors, severely disrupting their lives.