Unwanted but unstoppable thoughts creating anxiety in an individual.

The most common are thoughts of contamination, repeated doubts (wondering whether one has performed a certain act), and often aggressive thoughts like thinking of shouting out obscenities in a temple or place of worship.

Need to have things arranged in a certain order (e.g. symmetrical arrangements of articles on a table)

Repeatedly checking that things are in order, e.g. checks that the door is locked many times.

Collection of unnecessary items.

Performance of the ritualistic behaviours over and over again and great anxiety if they are not performed.

The person is usually conscious of the disorder but fails to do anything about it.

Counting, tapping, repeating certain words, or doing other senseless things to reduce anxiety.

Praying excessively or engaging in rituals triggered by religious fear.

Spending a lot of time washing or cleaning.