Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder characterized by thoughts or actions that are repetitive, distressing, and intrusive. 

OCD sufferers usually know that their thoughts as well as compulsions are unreasonable or irrational, but they serve to alleviate their anxiety. Often, the logic of someone with OCD will appear superstitious, such as an insistence in walking in a certain pattern. OCD sufferers may obsessively clean personal items or hands or constantly check locks, stoves, or light switches. Sometimes they can have mental compulsions such as counting, repeating certain words or phrases, mental patterns, etc. 

Relief of symptoms is best achieved with a combination of medicines and a type of therapy known as Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP).