Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Occasionally, almost everyone feels compelled to recheck a locked door, or to make sure that his or her hands are clean. These thoughts alone are not symptoms of OCD. The obsessions and compulsions of OCD are excessive and distressing. They interfere with normal, everyday life, because they are so time-consuming, sometimes eating up several hours of a person's day. They may interfere with personal relationships, as well as performance at work or school. Some compulsions may even cause physical injury. For example, compulsive hand washing can lead to chapped hands and dermatitis, while excessive tooth brushing can cause torn, bleeding gums.