Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: When Unwanted Thoughts or Repetitive Behaviors Take Over. People who are distressed by recurring, unwanted, and uncontrollable thoughts or who feel driven to repeat specific behaviors may have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Is obsessive thinking the same as OCD?

Everyone has obsessive thoughts or engages in compulsive behaviors from time to time. It's just part of being human. But these thoughts and behaviors could be symptoms of OCD if: It takes longer to do daily tasks because of the time spent on compulsive rituals.

Can OCD just be obsessive thoughts?

Pure O, also known as purely obsessional OCD,1 is a form of OCD marked by intrusive, unwanted, and uncontrollable thoughts (or obsessions).