Which is a common symptom of OCD?

• A. Fear of imperfection
• B. Hearing voices
• C. Memory loss
• D. Weight gain

Answer: (A)

Obsessive-compulsive disorder often shows up as intrusive worries about order and perfection and as repetitive behaviors that people feel forced to perform to reduce anxiety. A fear of imperfection fits this pattern because the worry that something isn’t perfectly arranged or done can drive someone to engage in rituals—like arranging items with meticulous precision or rechecking until it feels “just right.” These obsessions (the fear) and compulsions (the rituals) are what define OCD.

Hearing voices isn’t typical of OCD and points more toward other mental health conditions. Memory loss isn’t a hallmark symptom of OCD, and weight gain isn’t a characteristic feature of the disorder either. If OCD is a concern, talking with a clinician can help with proper assessment and guidance.