Description of obsessions and compulsions
| Obsessions | Compulsions | |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Recurrent, unwanted and persistent thoughts, images or urges that cause marked distress | Repetitive behaviours or mental acts that are often driven by rigid rules and performed in an attempt to reduce anxiety |
| Common themes | Contamination | Washing and cleaning |
| Aggressive/harm | Checking | |
| Sexual | Reassurance seeking | |
| Religious | Repeating | |
| Making things ‘just right’ | Ordering and arranging |