Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Obsessions are repeated thoughts, urges or mental pictures that cause anxiety. Compulsions are behaviors one performs to reduce anxiety produced from obsessive thoughts. Compulsions are repetitive, time-consuming and relief is very transient. OCD negatively affects your life and typically one knows it is irrational, but can NOT stop. The behaviors are uncontrollable, ritualistic and chronic. Typically, the symptoms begin before the age of 20. It is very uncommon to begin after the age of 35.