I have OCD comorbid with bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder. Most of my OCD symptoms are fairly mild and in my control, but the hoarding aspect (items, not animals) does interfere with my life to a degree. I have trouble throwing things out for fear that I may need them later. It isn't to the extreme degree that one sees on the television program but it does make life more difficult.
I remember noticing symptoms of OCD when I was about 6 years old. I had a system of counting that I relied on to choose my clothes for the day. This is pretty harmless. I still use it when I'm being indecisive. I also get bugged when I'm putting messages on the boards at work and the push pin colors don't match. Not out of control angry or anything, it just distracts me, so if someone has put up a bulletin and the push pins don't match I change them so they do.
