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Sad senior man looking down with anxiety

What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder – OCD?

People with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) suffer from unwanted and intrusive thoughts that they can’t seem to get out of their heads (obsessions), often compelling them to repeatedly perform ritualistic behaviors and routines (compulsions) to try and ease their anxiety.

Most people who have OCD are aware that their obsessions and compulsions are irrational, yet they feel powerless to stop them. Some spend hours at a time performing complicated rituals involving hand-washing, counting, or checking to ward off persistent, unwelcome thoughts, feelings, or images.

These thoughts can interfere with a person’s normal routine, schoolwork, job, family, or social activities.

Several hours every day may be spent focusing on obsessive thoughts and performing seemingly senseless rituals. Therefore, trying to concentrate on daily activities may be difficult.