What are some of the weirdest compulsions that people with OCD have?

12 Jul What are some of the weirdest compulsions that people with OCD have?

If you’re confused about OCD and want to understand what are some of the weirdest compulsions that people with OCD have, this blog will guide you.

When most people think of OCD, they picture arranging items perfectly, cleaning excessively, or repeating certain tasks.

While these are common symptoms, OCD can take many forms — some of which are far more complex, distressing, and difficult to explain.

Many individuals suffer silently because the rare forms of OCD or unusual types of compulsions are not widely understood.

This lack of awareness often prevents them from opening up about what they are experiencing.

In this blog, you’ll learn about some of the weirdest or most uncommon compulsions found in OCD — the ones people rarely talk about but struggle with deeply.

Sharing this knowledge can help others recognize what OCD truly feels like and why compassion and understanding are so important.

What Are Obsessions?

Obsessions are intrusive thoughts that enter your mind even when you are trying hard to avoid them.

They are not simple worries — they are powerful, recurring, and often distressing ideas or images that take over a person’s thinking.

Someone with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) does not want these thoughts, yet they keep appearing unexpectedly and sometimes endlessly.

For example, a person may repeatedly think, “What if I hurt someone?” or “What if I get sick from touching this?”

Others may question their memory and replay moments again and again just to be sure they didn’t do something wrong.

The most difficult part is that, deep down, they usually know these fears are irrational — but the fear still feels real and terrifying.

It’s like trying to push away a thought you find wrong or disturbing — the more you resist it, the stronger it becomes.

That is what obsessions do.

They generate intense anxiety, forcing the person to seek ways to neutralize or escape the discomfort — and that is where compulsions begin.

Obsessions can revolve around anything: germs, safety, morality, death, relationships, or even the nature of existence.

They may appear suddenly, even during peaceful moments, turning calmness into chaos within seconds.

These thoughts are not simply “bad thoughts”; they are mental intrusions that make a person feel out of control.

Common Types of Obsessions Among People With OCD

Obsessions vary greatly. Some people experience mild intrusive thoughts, while others face severe and panic-inducing ones.

Despite individual differences, common list of OCD obsessions include:

1. Contamination Obsessions: Persistent fear of germs, dirt, or diseases. Individuals may feel compelled to clean excessively or avoid public spaces.

2. Checking Obsessions: Intense fear of making mistakes — such as leaving a door unlocked, appliances on, or losing something important.

3. Symmetry and Order Obsessions: A strong need for things to be perfectly aligned or arranged. Even small imperfections feel unbearable.

4. Harm Obsessions: Fear of accidentally harming oneself or others, even though the person would never intentionally do so.

5. Religious or Moral Obsessions (Scrupulosity): Intrusive thoughts about committing sins, offending God, or having morally inappropriate thoughts.

6. Relationship or Existential Obsessions: Constant doubts about relationships, life’s meaning, or the nature of reality.

All these obsessions cause guilt, shame, and distress — making it extremely difficult to “turn off” the thoughts.

What Are Compulsions?

Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts performed to reduce the anxiety caused by obsessions.

While they may seem unnecessary or excessive to others, they offer temporary relief to the person experiencing them.

For example:

Someone afraid of contamination may wash their hands repeatedly even when they know it’s unnecessary.

Another may check locks or appliances many times despite already confirming they are secure.

Some silently repeat phrases, count numbers, or perform mental rituals to “cancel out” a thought.

The paradox is that compulsions worsen OCD over time. Momentary relief reinforces the belief that the ritual is necessary, creating a cycle that becomes increasingly difficult to break.

Compulsions can be:

• Overt (visible actions like washing, checking, arranging)
• Covert (mental rituals like repeating words, counting, reassurance-seeking)

People don’t perform them for pleasure — they do it to escape overwhelming anxiety, even if only for a moment.

Common Compulsions in OCD

OCD compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts that a person feels driven to perform in response to an obsessive thought.

They are typically done to reduce anxiety or prevent a feared event from happening, even if the individual knows the behavior is excessive or irrational.

The compulsions can be either overt (observable by others) or covert (mental acts).

Here are some of the most common compulsions in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), often clustered around certain themes:

1. Cleaning or Washing: Excessive hand washing (sometimes until skin cracks), repeated bathing, or constantly disinfecting surroundings.

2. Checking: Rechecking locks, stove knobs, lights, or appliances. Some take photos or videos to reassure themselves.

3. Counting and Repetition: Doing things a set number of times or avoiding “unlucky” numbers to prevent imagined disasters.

4. Arranging or Ordering: Needing items to be perfectly symmetrical or placed “just right.”

5. Mental Rituals: Repeating phrases, prayers, or numbers silently to neutralize an intrusive thought.

Some unusual compulsions include:

• Rereading a single line until it “feels right”
• Avoiding certain colors or shapes
• Touching objects in a specific pattern before leaving a room

To outsiders, these behaviors may seem strange, but for someone with OCD, they act as temporary protection from unbearable anxiety.

What Are The 7 Types Of OCD?

OCD is not a one-size-fits-all condition. It appears in many different forms, and each person experiences it differently.

Although all forms involve obsessions (intrusive thoughts) and compulsions (repetitive behaviors or mental rituals), the themes can vary widely.

Below are the major types of OCD, explained in a detailed yet simple way:

1. Contamination OCD

This is one of the most well-known forms of OCD. People with contamination OCD constantly fear:

• Germs
• Dirt
• Illness
• Chemicals
• Contaminated objects or environments

Because of this fear, they may engage in compulsions like:

• Excessive hand-washing
• Cleaning surfaces repeatedly
• Avoiding public places
• Avoiding shaking hands
• Changing clothes several times
• Sanitizing until it becomes painful or exhausting

Important: This is not “liking cleanliness.” It is a fear-driven response that creates intense anxiety.

2. Checking OCD

People with this type fear that a mistake they made will lead to harm. Their brain is constantly stuck on “What if…?”

Common fears include:

• “What if I left the stove on?”
• “What if the door isn’t locked?”
• “What if I hit someone while driving?”
• “What if I forgot something important?”

Common compulsions:

• Rechecking doors, windows, switches, appliances
• Taking photos as “proof”
• Re-reading messages repeatedly
• Returning home again and again
• Asking others for reassurance

The checking isn’t about forgetfulness — it’s about fear of catastrophe.

3. Symmetry and Order OCD

This type revolves around the need for things to feel “just right.”

People may feel anxious unless:

• Items are perfectly aligned
• Colors match
• Numbers feel balanced or even
• Objects are placed in precise locations

Compulsions may include:

• Rearranging items repeatedly
• Organizing objects by shape, size, or color
• Fixing slight misalignments (like tilted frames)
• Spending long periods creating “perfect” setups

This isn’t mere perfectionism — it creates real distress when things feel “off.”

4. Harm OCD

A very distressing and misunderstood type.

People with Harm OCD have intrusive fears like:

• “What if I hurt my child?”
• “What if I stab someone?”
• “What if I lose control while driving?”
• “What if I poison someone by mistake?”

These thoughts terrify them. They are not dangerous — the thoughts are unwanted and go against their personality.

Compulsions may include:

• Avoiding knives or sharp objects
• Staying away from loved ones
• Seeking reassurance (“I would never do that, right?”)
• Mentally checking their intentions
• Replaying situations to confirm they didn’t harm anyone

This type causes immense guilt and fear.

5. Pure O (Primarily Obsessional OCD)

In Pure O, compulsions happen mostly inside the mind, making it invisible to others.

Common obsessions:

• Sexual intrusive thoughts
• Moral worries
• Thoughts about harming someone
• Fear of acting on unwanted impulses
• Overanalyzing every thought

Mental compulsions can include:

• Repeating phrases in the mind
• Praying mentally
• Analyzing thoughts repeatedly
• Trying to “feel sure” about their intentions
• Mentally reviewing past events

Because symptoms are hidden, people often feel misunderstood or misdiagnosed.

6. Hoarding OCD

This worst kind of OCD involves extreme difficulty throwing away items — even things with no real value.

People may save:

• Old papers
• Broken items
• Trash
• Clothes they never wear
• Objects with “possible future use”

Obsessions include:

• Fear of losing something important
• Fear that discarding an item may cause harm
• Emotional attachment to objects
• Fear of making a wrong decision

Compulsions:

• Keeping everything
• Buying duplicates
• Sorting piles endlessly
• Avoiding cleaning
• Feeling anxiety when asked to throw things away

This can severely impact daily life and relationships.

7. Religious or Moral OCD (Scrupulosity)

In this type, a person becomes overly concerned with morality, sin, or correctness.

Obsessions may include:

• Fear of offending God
• Worrying about “sinful” thoughts
• Fear of being immoral or dishonest
• Intrusive “blasphemous” thoughts

Compulsions may include:

• Excessive praying
• Repeating religious rituals
• Confessing repeatedly
• Seeking reassurance from religious figures
• Avoiding places or people that trigger guilt

This can cause deep emotional distress.

In summary

OCD can take many forms, and each one is extremely real and distressing to the person living with it.

The type may differ, but the core experience — intrusive thoughts + compulsions — remains the same.

Dr. Vivek Pratap Singh – Best Neuropsychiatrist in Patna to Treat OCD

If you are looking for effective OCD treatment in Patna but are unsure where to go, you should consider visiting Dr. Vivek Pratap Singh, one of the best neuropsychiatrist in Patna.

He provides specialized and evidence-based OCD treatment with a high level of patient satisfaction.

You will appreciate his treatment approach, and many patients experience noticeable improvement in their ability to cope with OCD symptoms.

Here is a bit more about him: Dr. Vivek Pratap Singh has been practicing for more than 10 years and has an excellent understanding of his patients’ psychological needs. He is highly dedicated to delivering the best possible care and has helped many patients recover with positive outcomes.

So, if you are someone struggling with challenging or unusual OCD symptoms, consider visiting Dr. Vivek Pratap Singh at his clinic, Pratap Neuro & Child Psychiatry Center, Kankarbagh.

Final Thoughts

OCD is far more complex than the stereotypes we often see.

While many people associate it only with cleaning or organizing, countless individuals silently struggle with unusual, intrusive, and exhausting compulsions that deeply affect their daily lives.

Understanding these lesser-known forms of OCD helps us build empathy and reduces the stigma that keeps many from seeking help.

If you or someone you know experiences intense or “weird” compulsions, remember that OCD is a real medical condition—and it is treatable.

Reaching out for support, learning more about the disorder, and seeking the right guidance can make a significant difference.

No one should have to navigate OCD alone, and acknowledging the problem is the first step toward healing and regaining control.

Being through this kind of symptoms can make you feel alone, however, you can also join some Support groups for OCD, and maybe join some online forums.

Now, we take your leave, hope this article regarding What are some of the weirdest compulsions that people with OCD have was helpful for you.

Nonetheless, if you have any further queries, ask us without any worries in the comment section below.

FAQs

1. What Do People With OCD Have In Common?

Most individuals with OCD share a constant need for certainty and safety.

Their minds get stuck on “what if” scenarios they cannot shut down.

Rituals like checking or washing are attempts to relieve overwhelming anxiety — not deliberate choices.

Interestingly, many people with OCD are empathetic, responsible, and perfectionistic, which sometimes makes their struggles even more painful.

2. What Are The Common Experiences Of OCD?

Living with OCD feels like a constant battle between your thoughts and your peace of mind.

Intrusive thoughts create intense discomfort, and compulsions momentarily reduce the anxiety — but the relief never lasts.

People with OCD often recognize their fears are irrational, yet the distress is so strong that resisting feels impossible without guidance and therapy.

3. What Are The Strange Obsessions Of OCD?

Some obsessions may seem unusual or absurd from the outside, such as:

• Fear of harming a loved one
• Fear of saying something offensive
• Intrusive sexual or violent images
• Worries about moral purity or the “correct” feeling

These thoughts do not reflect the person’s character.

In fact, people with OCD are typically the last people who would ever act on such thoughts — the thoughts themselves horrify them.

4. What Is The 15 Minute Rule In OCD?

The 15-minute rule is a coping technique recommended by therapists. When you feel the urge to perform a compulsion, delay it for 15 minutes and distract yourself.

Often, the anxiety decreases before the time ends, teaching the brain that resisting compulsions is possible — and safe.

Over time, the delay can be increased, helping weaken the OCD cycle.

5. What Is OCD Commonly Mistaken For?

OCD is often confused with:

• A preference for neatness
• Perfectionism
• General anxiety
• Autism traits
• Personality quirks

But OCD is far deeper. It involves intrusive, distressing thoughts and compulsions that feel impossible to control.

People with OCD are often misunderstood and hide their symptoms out of shame or fear of judgment.

6. What Do People With OCD Think?

People with OCD often experience “looped” thoughts — such as “What if I left the stove on?” — repeatedly.

They know these thoughts are irrational, but the anxiety feels real until they perform a compulsion.

Their minds get stuck in a cycle of doubt, constantly asking, “Are you sure?”

Despite this, people with OCD are often kind, thoughtful, and highly conscientious — their brains simply struggle to let go of uncertainty.

7. What Is The Rarest Form Of OCD?

Some of the rarest or most misunderstood types include:

• Sensorimotor OCD: Hyperawareness of natural bodily functions like blinking, breathing, or swallowing.
• Pure O: Mostly mental compulsions with no visible rituals.
• Scrupulosity OCD: Intense religious or moral guilt.
• Harm OCD: Intrusive thoughts of causing harm.

These forms can feel isolating, but understanding that they are symptoms — not personality flaws — is the first step toward healing.

8. Which Type of OCD Do I Have?

The type of OCD you have depends on the main theme of your intrusive thoughts and the compulsions you use to reduce anxiety.

Common themes include contamination, checking, harm, symmetry, morality, and relationship doubts.

A mental-health professional can help you identify your subtype, since many people experience a mix of more than one.

9. What Are the 4 Types of OCD?

Traditionally, OCD is grouped into four broad categories:

• contamination,
• checking,
• symmetry/order, and
• intrusive thoughts (including harm, moral, or sexual themes).

These categories help explain the core patterns behind obsessions and compulsions. However, modern psychology recognizes many additional subtypes.

10. What Causes OCD To Get Worse?

OCD can worsen due to stress, lack of sleep, major life changes, or avoiding treatment.

Performing compulsions repeatedly also strengthens the OCD cycle, making obsessions harder to control over time.

Anxiety, isolation, and trying to “fight” intrusive thoughts can further intensify symptoms.