What are the symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Consensus Meter
Symptoms of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a complex and heterogeneous mental health condition characterized by a variety of symptoms that can significantly impact an individual's daily life. This article synthesizes the key symptoms of OCD based on recent research findings.
Intrusive Thoughts and Compulsions
Intrusive Thoughts
One of the core symptoms of OCD is the presence of intrusive thoughts, which are unwanted, repetitive thoughts that cause significant anxiety. These thoughts often revolve around themes such as aggression, contamination, symmetry, and taboo subjects like sexual or religious concerns . Negative appraisals of these intrusive thoughts, such as believing that having these thoughts means one is out of control, are central to the disorder and can predict co-occurring symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Compulsive Behaviors
To alleviate the distress caused by intrusive thoughts, individuals with OCD engage in compulsive behaviors. These behaviors are repetitive and time-consuming, often performed in a ritualistic manner. Common compulsions include checking, washing, ordering, and hoarding . These behaviors are aimed at reducing the emotional tension and anxiety generated by the intrusive thoughts.
Symptom Dimensions
Symmetry/Ordering
Many individuals with OCD experience a need for symmetry and order. This can manifest as compulsions to arrange objects in a specific way or to perform actions in a particular sequence . These behaviors are often driven by an internal sense that something is not "just right".
Contamination/Cleaning
Another common symptom dimension involves fears of contamination, leading to excessive washing and cleaning behaviors. Individuals may fear germs, dirt, or other contaminants and engage in repetitive cleaning to mitigate these fears .
Hoarding
Hoarding is characterized by the excessive collection of items and an inability to discard them, even when they are no longer needed. This symptom dimension is particularly robust and is associated with distinct patterns of comorbidity and treatment response .
Obsessions/Checking
Obsessions related to harm or danger often lead to checking behaviors. Individuals may repeatedly check locks, appliances, or other items to ensure safety and prevent potential harm .
Other Dimensions
Additional symptom dimensions include aggressive/somatic obsessions, superstitions, and somatic concerns. These dimensions can vary in severity and may present differently in children and adolescents compared to adults .
Cognitive Dysfunction
OCD is also associated with a range of cognitive dysfunctions, including impairments in memory, attention, flexibility, inhibition, verbal fluency, planning, and decision-making. These cognitive deficits may underlie the symptoms of OCD and contribute to the disorder's neurobiological basis.
Conclusion
OCD is a multifaceted disorder with a wide range of symptoms that can be grouped into distinct dimensions. Understanding these symptom dimensions is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. Future research should continue to explore the neurobiological underpinnings of these symptoms to improve treatment outcomes for individuals with OCD.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
A multidimensional model of obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Pathophysiology of obsessive–compulsive disorder A necessary link between phenomenology, neuropsychology, imagery and physiology
What is at the core of OCD? A network analysis of selected obsessive-compulsive symptoms and beliefs.
Towards a definitive symptom structure of obsessive−compulsive disorder: a factor and network analysis of 87 distinct symptoms in 1366 individuals
Symptom patterns in children and adolescents with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Cognitive Dysfunction in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
OCD symptom dimensions and treatment: a new dimension?
Relationships between obsessive-compulsive symptomatology and severity of psychosis in schizophrenia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Does neuropsychological performance in OCD relate to different symptoms? A meta‐analysis comparing the symmetry and obsessing dimensions
Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Try another search
what kind of emotion in form of hatred toward outgroup?
What are the mechanisms of action for popular supplements like creatine, beta-alanine, and BCAAs in enhancing athletic performance?
What are the principles of software testing and quality assurance?
What causes the colors of leaves to change in the fall?
What are the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?
What are the symptoms of Rift Valley fever?