Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental illness that is characterized by the presence of intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and/or repetitive behaviors (compulsions). A person with OCD experiences unpleasant and disturbing thoughts that may be inappropriate, intrusive, and difficult to control. To cope with this anxiety, he or she performs rituals or repetitive behaviors.
One typical manifestation of OCD may be frequent washing of hands or other body parts. The person experiences compulsive anxiety because of possible contamination, infection, or other harmful effects. To reduce the anxiety and decrease the intrusive thoughts, he or she begins to wash constantly.
OCD greatly affects a person's quality of life because these intrusive thoughts and actions can be very time-consuming and interfere with normal life, work, and socializing with others.
