Avoiding places, people or things with OCD
Staying away from certain places, people, thoughts or situations that trigger anxiety. Avoidance can shrink a person’s world and maintain OCD symptoms over time.
Asking for reassurance with OCD
Asking for reassurance may seem logical, but it can be a compulsion in OCD. Like any compulsion, this reinforces the OCD cycle.
Perfecting things or starting over with OCD
Redoing tasks until they feel flawless or complete. This can make simple activities feel exhausting and impossible to finish.
Repeating words or phrases with OCD
Repeating words or phrases can be a compulsion in OCD.
Reversing or neutralizing thoughts with OCD
Article on reversing or neutralizing thoughts with OCD
Ruminating and OCD
Rumination is a mental compulsion involving repetitive, unproductive thinking about fears, past events or hypothetical scenarios.
Hoarding compulsions in OCD
A difficulty discarding items due to fears of needing them later or making a mistake. This can lead to clutter and significant interference with daily life.
Counting and numbering
Article on counting and numbering compulsions in OCD
Washing or cleaning
Article on washing and cleaning compulsions in OCD
Palilalia and Tourette syndrome
Palilalia involves the involuntary repetition of your own words, phrases or sounds. The repetitions may increase in speed or volume and can interrupt normal speech flow.