Here are the 9 most prominent signs and symptoms exhibited by patients suffering from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder:

• Physical Appearance

Patients suffering from Obsessive obsessive-compulsive disorder usually look well-groomed but are visibly anxious. They exhibit compulsive actions like washing their hands religiously, checking their surroundings nervously, and arranging and rearranging objects during evaluation.

• Repetitive Actions

Psychomotor activity includes distress-driven behaviour. Patients persistently follow a habit or action, such as tapping their feet, washing clean clothes or utensils regularly, or rechecking every action performed. Patients are unable to stop themselves despite discomfort. 

• Speech Pattern

The speech of patients suffering from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is generally normal and clear. However, their fast-paced intrusive thoughts may occasionally interrupt or momentarily disrupt the normal flow of conversation.

• Emotional State

Patients suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder commonly experience significant levels of anxiety and distress. Their conversations and repetitive actions will clearly reflect the stress associated with obsessive thoughts.

• Obsessive Themes

Patients suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder suffer from obsessive thoughts, ideas, and themes. For instance, they are obsessed with fear of contamination, self-harm, and asymmetry. The habit of hoarding is the most common symptom among patients suffering from Compulsive Disorder. These habits often accompany compulsive responses.

• Perception Status

Patients suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder rarely suffer from hallucinations or perceptual distortions. This is the main distinguishing factor from other disorders. In such cases, sensory abnormalities are often observed before other symptoms.

• Flow of Thoughts

When it comes to Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, thinking remains logical and coherent. However, unwanted intrusive thoughts periodically intrude. This prompts compulsive actions despite patients recognising the irrationality of their thoughts and behaviour. 

• Cognitive Functioning

Cognition of patients suffering from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder remains normal and intact. Patients are alert, even though obsessive thoughts may cloud their decision-making power or daily mental functioning.

• Decision-Making Capabilities

Most patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder understand that their obsessions are irrational. However, they struggle to resist compulsions, which causes impaired judgement specifically around compulsive urges.

Effects of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder involves the presence of intrusive or unwanted thoughts. Patients are obsessed with certain ideas and struggle with repeated behavioural habits.
• Adults typically recognise their obsessions as unreasonable, whereas children struggle to word their intrusive thoughts.
• When the treatment starts, occupational therapists evaluate how Obsessive Compulsive Disorder affects the routine of a patient.
• Patients suffer from intrusive thoughts that hamper their concentration skills and lose their sense of symmetry in the process. 
• Patients have a strong need to know, verify or even remember information repeatedly. They are always under pressure to perform every task perfectly at all times.
• An overwhelming obsession with death or existence is also found. Patients are obsessed with false memories or real-life events.
• In severe cases, patients also suffer from an obsession with emotional contamination. They fear absorbing other people’s traits or personalities frequently.