Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

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Fear of contamination - A person with OCD may worry constantly about having dirty hands or clothing, or about catching or spreading germs. In some cases, this fear of contamination also extends to sexual activity. The person might think that sex is dirty, even between a husband and wife.
Fears related to accidents or acts of violence - A person with OCD may have obsessive thoughts related to fears about becoming a victim of violence or suffering some other type of bodily harm. For example, he or she may worry constantly that the front door is not locked, that the oven is not turned off, or that a cigarette has not been snuffed out completely.
Fear of committing an act of violence or sexual misconduct - A person with OCD may fear losing control and doing harm to others, or committing some type of harmful or embarrassing sexual act. For example, a loving mother with OCD may suffer from obsessive thoughts about suffocating her infant, or a respectable businessman may fear that he will suddenly take off his clothes in the middle of an important meeting.
Fears that center on disorder or asymmetry - Someone with OCD can have an obsessive need to have order and precision, and may feel very anxious if even the smallest detail of his or her world is out of place. For example, the person may become upset if socks are not aligned "properly" in a drawer or if food is not arranged "correctly" on a dinner plate. Usually, an adult with OCD will recognize that these obsessive thoughts are coming from his or her own mind and will try to ignore them, suppress them or get relief by performing a compulsive ritual.

Compulsive rituals are persistent, excessive, repetitive behaviors that are aimed at reducing the fear and anxiety triggered by an obsessive thought. Examples include: