What is it?

Obsessive-compulsive disorder, commonly referred to OCD, is a disease that causes an individual to have recurrent thoughts, ideas and behaviors that interfere with their daily ability to function. Obsessions are thoughts, ideas and impulses that become intrusive and produce anxiety in an individual. The person with these obsessions does not feel as though they have control over these thoughts. Compulsions are behaviors or mental acts that are repetitive. For the person with these compulsions, the goal of the behaviors and mental acts is to reduce their anxiety. These individuals report a "need" to repeat these acts. If they are unable to do so, the anxiety becomes debilitating.

What causes it?

The exact cause of this disorder is not yet known. However, it is known that many individuals with OCD have first generation family members with OCD and other anxiety-based disorders.

What are the symptoms?

• Repetitive behaviors such as counting and hand washing
• A need for cleanliness and order
• Hypochondriacal concerns (excessive visits to family physician)

• Avoidance of public situations
• An inappropriate sense of responsibility for things they should have no responsibility for
• Sleep disturbances
• Recognition by the person that their obsessions and compulsions are unreasonable

What are the treatment options?

Most frequently, the treatment of choice for OCD has been to prescribe medications to treat the anxiety associated with the disorder. Recently there have been advances made in studies looking at treating the "ritualistic" side of OCD. Some of these studies are still under way. As with other mental health disorders, some psychiatrists will encourage entering into counseling along with medication management