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
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.
This pattern of behaviour causes many people to suffer to have a life full of compromise
and can affect all areas of life. Gaining control over this takes patience, understanding and
time. Getting to the source of anxiety can be done through therapy and may alleviate these
symptoms to enable a fuller life to emerge, instead of one fuelled with compulsions to
repeat the act.