What is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder?

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, or OCD, is a personality disorder that causes the person to have obsessive thoughts and compulsive behavior. People with OCD often clean things multiple times and have to keep things orderly. People with this disorder have repetitive behaviors that require them to make sure that they did everything right and it is perfect. They may seem like germophobic as many have a fear of dirt.

This disorder can be very frightening because it can make you think things that you don't want to. For example, you could have thoughts of hurting your child. Some have been known to get so stressed out that they pull their own hair out. Skin can often become raw because they have washed so many times. People who suffer from OCD often know they are being irrational but they have trouble overcoming it.

• Washing and cleaning
• Counting
• Checking
• Demanding reassurances
• Performing the same action repeatedly
• Orderliness 
• Hand washing until your skin becomes raw
• Checking doors often to make sure they're locked
• Checking the stove repeatedly to make sure it's off

The list goes on and on. OCD can make the simplest task complicated.

 The exact cause of OCD is unknown but there are theories...

Genetics

Infection

Depression

Stress

As for most disorders, therapy and medications are the best treatment for OCD. There are no cures for this disorder. Medications such as Paxil and Zoloft are often used for treatment.