Definition: An anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) or rituals (compulsions), which feel uncontrollable to the sufferer. Rituals such as handwashing, counting, checking, or cleaning are often performed with the hope of preventing obsessive thoughts or making them go away. Performing these rituals, however, provides only temporary relief, and not performing them markedly increases anxiety. Left untreated, obsessions and the need to perform rituals can take over a person's life. Obsessive-compulsive disorder is often a chronic, relapsing illness.
For a further understanding of obsessive-compulsive disorder or OCD, please see What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder? To find out whether or not you have the symptoms of OCD, take the Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Screening Test.
Also Known As: OCD