Obsessions

Definition: Obsessions are thoughts, images or ideas that won’t go away, are unwanted and are extremely distressing or worrying (“What if I become infected with a deadly disease?” or “What if I molest a child or murder my partner?”). Common obsessional themes include religion, sexuality, violence, aggression, illness, contamination and harm to loved ones. People with OCD usually (but not always) recognize the irrationality or excessiveness of their obsessions. This is one of the most frustrating aspects of the disorder.