Common obsessions
 

Incessant worries about;
 

dirt

germs

contamination

infection

chemicals

Recurrent thoughts that something has not been done properly even when the individual knows it has

Setting fire to the house

Flooding the house

Losing something valuable or of little or no importance

Bankrupting the company

Hurting someone

Repeated impulses to kill loved ones

Poisoning others food or drink etc.

Spreading illness

Running over a pedestrian

Behaving in a socially unacceptable manner

Swearing

Making sexual advances

Saying the wrong thing

Blasphemous thoughts in a religious person

Feelings that certain things must always be in a certain place, position, or order

Worries about the shape or functioning of body parts

Intrusive nonsensical sounds, words, numbers, or images
 

Compulsions are strong urges to do something to reduce anxiety from the obsessions.
 

Repeatedly checking to see if;
 

Light switches appliances and faucets are off

Doors are locked

Numbers are correct

Forms filled out correctly

Counting
 

Counting to a certain number

Counting objects over and over

Repeatedly performing a behavior before being able to move on
 

Collecting/Hoarding
 

Collecting mail or trash to the point of filling up one's home

Inability to throw away anything

Picking up trash on the streets and taking it home
 

Cleaning/Washing
 

Hand washing

Showering or cleaning oneself repeatedly

Decontaminating objects
 

Arranging/Organizing
 

Arranging items in perfect symmetry in a certain order
(for example, cans or books on shelves, items on desk top)