Most Common Anxiety Disorders Explained
People who have obsessive compulsive disorder have recurrent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and/or repetitive behaviors (compulsions). The disorder manifests itself in behaviors such as handwashing, checking locks or appliances, counting objects or tasks, or cleaning excessively.
But performing these "rituals" only provides temporary relief from the anxiety that's driving them and will eventually increase the person's distress.
By — Last Modified: 08/01/2012, First Published: 06/27/2011
