What behavior is a common compulsion seen in obsessive-compulsive disorder?

In obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), individuals experience persistent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) that lead to repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) aimed at reducing the anxiety associated with those thoughts. Excessive cleaning or checking is a classic compulsion in OCD. People may feel compelled to clean items repeatedly to prevent perceived dangers, such as contamination or germs, or to check repeatedly to ensure that they haven't left a door unlocked or a stove on.

This behavior stems from the distress caused by their obsessions and the belief that performing these compulsive acts will either prevent a negative outcome or help alleviate their anxiety. While the other behaviors listed may reflect anxiety or avoidance strategies, they do not directly represent the compulsive actions typically associated with OCD. For instance, arranging items symmetrically may be an obsession for some but does not encapsulate the most common compulsive behavior seen, which is often linked to excessive cleaning or checking.