Common obsessions and compulsions

This is a list of some common obsessions and compulsions experienced by sufferers of OCD. The unique nature of each sufferer's own form of OCD means that no list can be comprehensive. While the specific contents of obsessions differ, the general way that the illness works is common to all. In general the content of an obsession does not represent a flaw in a sufferer's character, in fact it is evidence of the opposite. Some sufferers will have experienced of a number of these areas, but others will have concerns about just one. The items in the list are in no particular order.

Don't worry if your own obsession is not here, or if the characteristics given don't match yours - everyone is different! If you like you can contact us if you would like us to add one of your own to this list - other sufferers with a similar issue might find it comforting to see that they are not so alone.