Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder in
which people have unwanted and repeated thoughts, feelings,
ideas, sensations (obsessions), or behaviors that make them feel
driven to do something (compulsions). Often the person carries
out the behaviors to get rid of the obsessive thoughts. But this
only provides temporary relief. Not doing the obsessive rituals
can cause great anxiety. Obsessive-compulsive neurosis; OCD
Causes, incidence, and risk factors Doctors do not know the
exact cause of OCD. Factors that may play a role include head
injury, infections, and abnormal function in certain areas of
the brain. Genes (family history) seems to play a strong role.
Most people who develop it show symptoms by age 30. There are
many types of obsessions and compulsions. Examples include: -
Checking and rechecking actions (such as turning out the lights
and locking the door) - Excessive counting - Excessive fear of
germs - The compulsion to repeatedly wash the hands to ward off
infection The person us