About OCD
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a serious and often debilitating anxiety disorder that affects more than two million American adults. People with OCD experience unwanted and intrusive thoughts (obsessions), which may cause them to repeatedly perform ritualistic behaviors and routines (compulsions) to try to ease their anxiety or distress. Some people spend hours at a time performing complicated rituals involving hand washing, counting, or checking to ward off persistent, unwelcome thoughts, feelings, or images. Others live in terror that they will accidentally do something wrong, such as harm someone, blurt out an improper statement, become contaminated or sick, or throw something out by mistake. Although people know these obsessions and compulsions are irrational and excessive, they have little or no control over them.The seemingly unavoidable, unstoppable thoughts or rituals often affect daily activities, including school, work, or even meeting friends. But those who receive appropriate treatment can control their OCD symptoms and enjoy a better quality of life. Learn more...