What is obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?

People who struggle to regulate their recurrent thoughts and activities develop obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

A person with OCD typically: 

• has uncontrollable thoughts or urges; 
• is opposed to experiencing these intrusive thoughts and emotions; 
• Feels intense discomfort, possibly involving anxiety, disgust, or an overwhelming feeling that particular things must be accomplished; 

Every aspect of a person's life, including employment, education, and relationships, can be affected by OCD symptoms. Obsessions and compulsions are the two main categories of OCD symptoms.

Obsessions

Obsessions are characterized by anxious or compulsive thoughts or desires, such as fears of germs, self-inflicted or other-inflicted harm, or a need to arrange things in exact symmetry. Mental pictures that are recurring and undesirable might also be an obsession.

Compulsions

When OCD sufferer has obsessive thought, they feel compelled to perform certain actions. These can include counting obsessively, washing excessively, or organizing things in a specific way.

Source: Medical News Today