Obsessive compulsive disorder, or OCD, is a type of anxiety disorder characterized by excessive and unnecessary compulsion to repeat specific tasks in order to eliminate the compulsion. OCD is commonly manifested in excessive cleaning and rearranging, fear of germs, gratuitous hand-washing, and repeated checking of light switches. OCD may be very mild, and only cause you to check your alarm clock three times before you go to sleep. But OCD may also be extremely severe, and begin to interfere with your ability to concentrate and perform normal activities. Because of disturbing and annoying thoughts, patients with OCD may experience constant distraction and aggravation. OCD is usually characterized by either obsessions (recurring and unwanted thoughts and impulses) or compulsions (intentionally repeated behavior). Many times, patients with OCD do not realize that they are experiencing abnormal thoughts and behavior. OCD can be linked with other disorders such as Tourette’s, eating disorders, depression, substance abuse, hypochondria and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. OCD can’t be cured, but it can be controlled through psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioral techniques and medication.

Click below to read about related topics.

Introduction
Depression
Abuse/Violence
Panic Disorder
Phobias
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Anxiety
OCD
Suicidal Feelings