Common Symptoms of OCD

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a common mental health condition. It involves unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that can feel overwhelming. In response, many people develop repetitive behaviors or mental rituals to try to ease the discomfort these thoughts bring.Many people find that these patterns become increasingly time consuming and hard to stop, even when they realise the rituals may not be truly needed. At Central Minds, our psychologists regularly support adolescents and adults living with OCD along with the thoughts, feelings, and challenges that often accompany it.

We understand that the symptoms of OCD can sometimes feel hard to put into words, and that they are often kept private. Recognising what you are experiencing is a meaningful first step towards making sense of it, and towards finding the right kind of support. With the right approach, many people find that OCD becomes far more manageable over time.

Physical Symptoms of OCD

OCD is usually thought of as a condition affecting thoughts and behaviour, but it can also have noticeable physical effects. These physical effects are often linked to the anxiety and stress of obsessive thoughts or to the rituals you feel you have to complete.

Common Physical Symptoms

• Tiredness or low energy, often linked to the time and effort that routines and checking can take
• Difficulty sleeping, including a busy mind at night or getting up to repeat certain actions
• Tension in the body, such as a tight chest, a racing heart, or restlessness when unable to carry out a routine
• Skin irritation or soreness from repeated washing or cleaning
• Changes in appetite or eating patterns during more demanding periods
• A sense of physical unease that builds when something feels out of place or incomplete

If these physical changes are new or unfamiliar, it is worth speaking with a medical doctor first, to rule out other health conditions that may produce similar effects.

Psychological and Emotional Symptoms of OCD

The symptoms of OCD usually fall into two connected parts: obsessions, which are the unwanted thoughts, and compulsions, which are the actions or mental routines used to manage them. While most people experience both, the way OCD shows up varies widely from one person to the next.

Obsessions

• Recurring thoughts, images, or urges that feel intrusive and unwanted
• Persistent doubts, such as wondering whether a door was locked or an appliance was switched off
• A strong fear of causing harm, making a mistake, or being responsible for something going wrong
• Discomfort when things feel out of order, uneven, or incomplete
• Distressing thoughts that clash with your values. They bother you because they don’t reflect who you are and that disconnect can be very hard to make sense of

Compulsions

• Checking things repeatedly, such as locks, switches, or messages you have sent
• Washing or cleaning beyond what feels reasonable, often to ease a sense of unease
• Arranging or ordering items until they feel just right
• Counting, repeating words, or carrying out a routine in a set way
• Seeking reassurance from others, or mentally going over a situation again and again in search of certainty

It is also common to experience anxiety, low mood, or stress alongside OCD. A psychologist can help you understand which experiences are linked to OCD, and which may relate to something else, such as perfectionism or health anxiety.

OCD Thoughts and Behaviours

OCD tends to follow a recognisable cycle, and understanding it can make the experience feel less confusing. An obsessive thought arrives and brings discomfort or worry. To ease that feeling, a person carries out a compulsion, which often brings short term relief. Over time, though, this can reinforce the idea that the routine was necessary, which makes the thought more likely to return.

OCD thoughts and behaviours can centre on many different themes, including cleanliness and contamination, safety and checking, order and symmetry, or intrusive thoughts that feel at odds with a person’s character. Whatever the theme, the underlying pattern is similar: a distressing thought, followed by an action intended to neutralise it. You can read more about how these patterns work on our OCD expertise page and in our article on whether your worries may point to OCD.

How Long Do Symptoms of OCD Last?

The course of OCD varies from person to person, and symptoms often change in intensity rather than staying the same.

• Symptoms can come and go, becoming more noticeable during busier or more stressful periods
• Without support, patterns of obsessions and compulsions can gradually take up more time and attention
• With the right approach, including psychological therapy, many people learn to manage their symptoms and regain a sense of control.
• Each person’s experience is different, and a psychologist can help you understand your own pattern over time

Common Signs of OCD

The signs below may help you recognise whether what you, or someone close to you, is experiencing fits with OCD, rather than everyday worry or simply being careful.

It’s easy to confuse OCD with simply being careful or thorough in daily life. Liking things tidy or double checking now and then is very common and does not, on its own, point to OCD. A psychologist can help you understand your own experience and what might be going on beneath the surface. You may also find it helpful to read our article on OCD and anxiety.

OCD Symptoms in Adults

OCD symptoms in adults often develop gradually, and many people live with them for some time before recognising what is happening or seeking support. Because compulsions can be carried out quietly, or explained away as being careful or thorough, the condition is not always obvious to those around you.

In adults, OCD may show up as routines built into the working day, reassurance seeking within relationships, or mental rituals that are not visible to anyone else. Some people notice it most when life becomes busier, when responsibilities increase, or after a significant life change. Recognising that these symptoms are part of OCD, not a personal failing, is often a turning point. A psychologist can then help you understand what you’re experiencing and find the support that’s right for you.

How Obsessions and Compulsions Differ

OCD symptoms are usually grouped into obsessions and compulsions. The table below outlines how each tends to present.

Both can be supported through psychological therapy, sometimes alongside input from a psychiatrist. You can read more about the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist on our FAQ page.

You May Benefit From Support If…

It can sometimes feel difficult to know whether what you, or someone close to you, is experiencing warrants professional input. The following may be helpful indicators:

• You have noticed recurring thoughts, images, or urges that feel intrusive and hard to set aside
• You find yourself repeating actions, such as checking, washing, counting, or arranging things, to ease discomfort
• You often seek reassurance, or go over situations again and again to feel certain
• These thoughts or routines are taking up more of your time than you would like
• Daily life, including work, study, relationships, or looking after yourself, has become harder to manage
• Those close to you have noticed changes in your routines or behaviour
• You suspect you may have OCD but have not yet had the opportunity to speak with a professional

If you are in immediate danger or severe distress, please know that Central Minds is not a crisis service. In an emergency, call 999 or go to your nearest emergency room. You’ll also find more immediate support options on our resources page.

Our Psychologists Who Work With OCD

Teresa Chan

Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist

Teresa is a UK-trained specialist who has worked one-to-one with clients in the field of clinical mental health since 2011. Born and raised in the UK, she qualified as an accredited Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) practitioner and spent 8 years working within the National Health Service (NHS) before relocating to Hong Kong in 2018. A native English speaker who also communicates in Cantonese, Teresa holds an undergraduate and master’s degree in Psychology, alongside postgraduate training specialising in CBT.

Dr. Aurélie Comes

Clinical Psychologist & CBT Therapist

Dr. Comes is a UK-trained Clinical Psychologist who worked in the National Health Service (NHS). She supports adults and young people experiencing anxiety, low mood, burnout, and self-doubt, as well as difficulties in their relationship with food or their body. Many of her clients present as coping well externally, whilst internally feeling overwhelmed, stuck in patterns of overthinking, or struggling to feel “good enough.”

She integrates evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), and works collaboratively with clients to understand and shift the underlying patterns maintaining their difficulties.

Dr. Edward C. K. Lam

Clinical Psychologist

Edward is a U.S.-trained and licensed Clinical Psychologist in the state of Massachusetts, now bringing his expertise to Hong Kong. With extensive experience across various settings, Edward has helped clients become stronger, more independent, and resilient in the face of challenges. He creates a supportive and non-judgmental environment where clients can explore their struggles and engage more fully in life.

Edward’s approach is rooted in “true empathy,” understanding that every behavior makes sense within the context of a client’s experiences. He believes in creating a safe space where honest feedback is offered with kindness, promoting growth while ensuring clients feel supported.

Dr Elaine Ching

Clinical Psychologist

Dr. Ching is a UK trained Clinical Psychologist, offering support to adults with difficulties around anxiety, low mood, stress and burnout, self-esteem, childhood or event specific trauma, interpersonal relationships, and life adjustments (e.g. relocation, grief, chronic physical health, third culture kids). She also has experience with individuals with individuals with emotional dysregulation and high sensitivity (HSP).

Dr. Melissa Chan

Clinical Psychologist

Dr. Chan is a UK trained Clinical Psychologist, who has worked in the field of mental health taking up clinical and research roles in the community and academic settings for ten years. She is experienced in treating people with symptoms of depression and anxiety disorders (e.g. social anxiety, bipolar tendencies etc). She also works with people who are struggling with low self-esteem, stress, grief and bereavement, adjustment difficulties

Dr. Karen Wai Liem

Clinical Psychologist, Counselling Psychologist, and Aviation Psychologist

Dr. Liem is a Clinical Psychologist, Counselling Psychologist, and Aviation Psychologist based in Hong Kong. She provides psychotherapy for adolescents adults facing psychological or relational challenges. With over 15 years of clinical experience in Hong Kong and overseas, she has worked in diverse settings.

Dr Steven Livingstone

Clinical Psychologist & Systemic Family Therapist

Dr Steven Livingstone is a UK-trained Consultant Clinical Psychologist and qualified Family Therapist with over 20 years’ experience working in the National Health Service and academia.

Steven’s clinical work is rooted in systemic and relational approaches, helping individuals, couples, and families make sense of distress in the context of their relationships and life experiences. He draws on evidence-based models including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Open Dialogue, integrating these with compassion-focused and mindfulness-informed princples.

FAQs About The Symptoms Of OCD

Is it OCD, or am I just a tidy or careful person?

Enjoying order or occasionally double‑checking things is common and doesn’t by itself suggest OCD. OCD typically involves distressing intrusive thoughts, along with routines that feel difficult to resist and consume significant time. A psychologist can help you understand how this applies to your own experience.

Can OCD be assessed by a psychologist?

Yes. A psychologist can carry out a detailed assessment of your symptoms, history, and patterns, which can help you better understand your experience and what kind of support might suit you best.

Why do my intrusive thoughts feel so unlike me?

Many people with OCD find their intrusive thoughts upsetting precisely because they go against their values. Having a distressing thought does not mean you want to act on it, or that it reflects who you are. These thoughts are a recognised feature of OCD rather than a sign of character.

Do I need a referral to speak with a psychologist at Central Minds?

No referral is needed to contact us directly. If you are planning to use insurance, we recommend checking with your provider beforehand, as some insurers do require a referral letter. You can find more information on our insurance and fees FAQ.

Can OCD symptoms change over time?

Yes. OCD symptoms often become more noticeable during busier or more stressful periods, and may ease at other times. With the right support, including psychological therapy, many people find their symptoms become much more manageable.

Can OCD first appear in adulthood?

OCD often begins in adolescence or early adulthood, but symptoms can appear or become more noticeable later in life, sometimes following a significant life change or a period of sustained stress. A psychologist can help you make sense of what you are experiencing, whenever it begins.