5 Common Traits of OCD You Need to Know About
Understanding the Different Ways Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Can Manifest
By: Christina Zambrano, LPN
We’ve all heard someone casually say, “I’m so OCD” when referring to their love for cleanliness or organization. Pop culture often reinforces this misconception, portraying characters like Adrian Monk—meticulously neat, afraid of germs, and obsessed with order—as the face of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
But OCD is far more complex than just being tidy or hyper-organized. It’s a serious mental health condition that manifests in different ways, often causing significant distress and disruption to a person’s life. OCD involves persistent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) that someone feels compelled to perform to relieve anxiety.
While OCD can take many forms, here are five of the most common traits:
1. Checking
If you’ve ever felt the need to double-check that your front door is locked or that you turned off the stove, you’re not alone. However, for individuals with Checking compulsions, this behavior is excessive and driven by overwhelming anxiety. They might check locks, appliances, or other safety-related items dozens or even hundreds of times, fearing that a mistake could lead to harm, accidents, or disasters. The anxiety can be so intense that it interferes with daily life.
2. Contamination
People with Contamination OCD are often consumed by an intense fear of germs, bacteria, or illness. This can lead to compulsive hand-washing, excessive cleaning, or even avoiding certain places or people to prevent perceived contamination. Some individuals also experience mental contamination, where they feel “unclean” due to thoughts or experiences, not just physical contact with dirty surfaces.
3. Intrusive Thoughts
This trait of OCD is characterized by distressing, unwanted thoughts that suddenly enter a person’s mind. These thoughts can be violent, sexual, blasphemous, or otherwise disturbing. For example, someone might have intrusive thoughts about harming a loved one or engaging in an act that goes against their moral beliefs. Although these thoughts are completely unwanted and don’t reflect the person’s true intentions, they can cause immense guilt and anxiety.
4. Organization (Symmetry & Ordering)
While many people like things to be neat and orderly, someone with an organization compulsion takes it to an extreme level. They feel an intense need to arrange items in a specific way—whether it’s books on a shelf, clothes in a closet, or food in the refrigerator. If something is out of place, they may feel unbearable distress and need to fix it immediately. Their compulsions often stem from a deep-seated fear that disorder will lead to chaos or bad luck.
5. Ruminations & Mental Rituals
Unlike intrusive thoughts, where distressing thoughts pop into someone’s mind unexpectedly, individuals who struggle with ruminations become fixated on certain thoughts for extended periods. These aren’t necessarily distressing thoughts, but they can be overwhelming and time-consuming. A person might obsessively ponder philosophical, religious, or existential questions, struggling to find definitive answers. This can interfere with daily responsibilities, making it difficult to focus on work, relationships, or basic self-care.
Do These Symptoms Sound Familiar?
OCD is not just about being neat, cautious, or overthinking—it’s a serious mental health condition that can impact daily life. If you recognize these symptoms in yourself or a loved one, seeking professional help is the best step forward. A qualified therapist can provide a proper diagnosis and recommend effective treatment options, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or exposure and response prevention (ERP).
You don’t have to manage OCD alone. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and start your journey toward relief and recovery.
