OCPD individuals genuinely value cleanliness and perfectionism (ego-syntonic). In contrast, those with OCD often hate their compulsions, performing them only to alleviate anxiety from irrational, intrusive thoughts (ego-dystonic). The act itself provides no pleasure.

By preventing the compulsive response (e.g., not checking), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) forces the individual to sit with their anxiety. They learn firsthand that the anxiety will eventually fade on its own, a process called extinction decay, which breaks the reinforcement cycle.

Known as the "doubting disease," OCD's checking compulsions create a vicious cycle. Research shows that repeatedly performing an action, like checking a lock, actually makes a person less confident in their memory of having done it, which in turn fuels the urge to check again.

"Thought-Action Fusion" is the belief that having a thought is as morally wrong or as likely to cause an outcome as performing the action. This cognitive distortion makes normal intrusive thoughts feel dangerous, predisposing individuals to OCD.

A person with OCD can be consumed by a specific irrational fear, only for it to be suddenly replaced by a new, equally intense obsession. In hindsight, the previous obsession often seems illogical, yet the new one feels just as compelling.

While it may seem supportive to help a person with OCD complete their compulsions (e.g., checking a door for them), this "accommodation" functions just like the person performing the compulsion themselves. It feeds the obsession-compulsion cycle and can inadvertently stall their recovery.

Anxiety is fueled by rehearsing negative outcomes. The solution is "pattern interruption"—a conscious decision to stop a negative thought spiral as it begins. This isn't passive distraction; it's an active refusal to entertain the thought, immediately followed by an engaging activity.

Anxiety often isn't the problem itself (first bug) or your immediate reaction to it (second bug). It's the 'third bug': the lingering state of being bothered by the idea of the problem, even when it's not present. Eliminating this ruminative state frees up immense mental energy.

When a person acts on an intrusive thought (e.g., stepping away from a platform edge), they inadvertently validate its importance. This provides temporary relief but strengthens the thought's power, creating a feedback loop where obsession and compulsion reinforce each other.