When people think of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), they tend to focus on the most obvious compulsions, such as repetitive hand-washing, cleaning or checking on things, or an extreme need for symmetry. While the compulsions are more noticeable, they are only one aspect of this disorder. The obsessional component tends to get overlooked. In some cases, people experience these obsessions without engaging in the behavioral compulsions that are often considered a hallmark of OCD.