OCD

Obsessive-compulsive disorder or OCD, is characterized by unreasonable thoughts and fears called obsessions, that lead you to do repetitive behaviors called compulsions. It's also possible to have only obsessions or only compulsions and still have OCD. OCD obsessions are repeated, persistent and unwanted urges or images that cause distress or anxiety. You might try to get rid of them by performing a compulsion or ritual. These obsessions typically intrude when you're trying to think of or do other things.

Obsessions examples:

• Fear of contamination or dirt
• Having things orderly and symmetrical
• Aggressive or horrific thoughts about harming yourself or others
• Unwanted thoughts, including aggression, or sexual or religious subjects

Examples of obsessions:

• Fear of being contaminated by shaking hands or by touching objects others have touched
• Doubts that you've locked the door or turned off the stove
• Intense stress when objects aren't orderly or facing a certain way
• Images of hurting yourself or someone else
• Thoughts about shouting obscenities or acting inappropriately
• Avoidance of situations that can trigger obsessions, such as shaking hands