Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental illness causes recurrent unpleasant thoughts or feelings (obsessions) or a strong need to repeat a behavior (compulsions). Obsessions and compulsions can coexist in some persons.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder isn't about bad behaviors like chewing your nails or obsessing over negative ideas. The idea that specific numbers or colors are "good" or "evil" is a common obsessive concept. After touching something potentially dirty, a compulsive practice can be to wash your hands seven times.
You feel powerless to stop yourself from thinking or doing these things, even if you don't want to.
Everyone has behaviors or thoughts that come up again and again. OCD patients have thoughts or behaviors that:
Take up time for it at least once a day.
Out of your hands
Aren’t enjoyable
Obstruct your career, your social life, or another aspect of your existence