Behavior of Obsessive Compulsive Sufferers – Top 10 Patterns

The behavior of obsessive compulsive sufferers shouldn't be regarded as merely exaggerated fears about things that happen in everyday life. While some doctors suspect relationships, careers, financial or academic concerns to be triggers of the disorder, how these factors affect the behavior of obsessive compulsive sufferers hasn't been sufficiently documented.

Behavior of Obsessive Compulsive Sufferers – Signs

What is certain is that the sufferer's distress arises mainly because he/she realizes that the obsessions (which characterize the behavior of obsessive compulsive sufferers) are irrational, excessive, and inappropriate.

The compulsions, which characterize the behavior of obsessive compulsive sufferers, may be observable (e.g., hand washing), mental (e.g., repeated "good" thoughts to cancel out the bad), or take the form of avoidant behavior (e.g., not touching things used by other people).

Behavior of Obsessive Compulsive Sufferers – Fallout

The behavior of obsessive compulsive sufferers can leave them considerable embarrassment and shame. This is the reason why sufferers often try to hide his/her behavior.

This concealment as well as the repetitive behaviors, are time consuming, taking up several hours out of the sufferer's day. When the compulsions take on a phobic quality, they can even prevent the person from performing regular, everyday activities.

This, coupled with emotional distress the sufferer feels, often interferes with the person's school, career, and relationships.

Behavior of Obsessive Compulsive Sufferers – Common Obsession Patterns

The top five obsessions observed in clinical setting are:

1. An exaggerated fear of being contaminated from contact with everyday items or people.
2. A nagging doubt that a home or car door or window was left unlocked.
3. An excessive concern that a stove or similar household appliance was left on.
4. An overwhelming urge to arrange objects in a certain order.
5. A fear of committing some act that may be a violent, immoral, sexually inappropriate, and/or sacrilegious.

Behavior of Obsessive Compulsive Sufferers – Common Compulsion Patterns

The top five compulsions, some of which may be related with the obsessions listed above, are:

1. Repeated and excessive hand washing, showering, use of antibacterial cleaners or disinfectants to avoid contamination. Avoiding contact with almost everything that may be contaminated (e.g., money, doorknobs, etc.).
2. Frequent checking of locks, switches, etc.
3. Unnecessary fixing of a desk, bookshelf, cabinet, closet, or repeated straightening of rugs or window blinds.
4. Hoarding sundry things, which most people consider garbage (e.g., receipts, old newspapers, useless/worn clothes, etc.
5. Constant seeking of assurance from other people that the sufferer hasn't committed something unacceptable or immoral.