obsessive-compulsive disorder (ocd) is a type of mental illness that causes repeated unwanted thoughts. to get rid of the thoughts a person does the same tasks over and over. for example you may fear that everything you touch has germs on it. so to ease that fear you wash your hands over and over again. ocd is a chronic or long-term illness that can take over your life hurt your relationships and limit your ability to work or go to school. webmd medical reference from healthwise this information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information. © 1995-2011 healthwise incorporated. healthwise healthwise for every health decision and the healthwise logo are trademarks of healthwise incorporated.
what is obsessive-compulsive disorder (ocd)?