obsessive compulsive disorder...

Nov 20, 2005 15:36

is a fairly common problem where people experience ‘obsessions’, recurring unwanted thoughts which are difficult to stop, and ‘compulsions’, rituals of checking behaviour or repetitive actions which are carried out in an attempt to relieve the thoughts.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is an anxiety disorder characterized by obsessions or compulsions --having one or both is sufficient for the diagnosis. An obsession is a recurrent and intrusive thought, feeling, idea, or sensation. A compulsion is a conscious, recurrent pattern of behavior a person feels driven to perform.

This behavior can be a physical action (e.g., handwashing) or a mental act (e.g., praying, repeating words silently, counting). The behavior is aimed at neutralizing anxiety or distress.
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