It presents itself in the form of intrusive thoughts or images that cause distress to the patient. These thoughts often compel you to engage in repetitive or checking behaviors that end up taking up a significant amount of your time, hindering you in your daily life. Patients are often aware of the senselessness of these behaviors, for example, checking that the door is locked an even number of times, but if they do not perform them, they suffer increased anxiety and distress.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is more common in men, although women are not exempt from suffering from it.