It is characterized by obsessions or compulsion, usually both, that are time consuming or distressing. They interfere with normal routine, relationships with others or daily functioning. Obsessions are persistent impulses, ideas, images or thoughts that intrude into a person's thinking and cause anxiety.
Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts performed to relieve or prevent anxiety.
They may also have a goal of preventing or avoiding some dreaded event. The treatment for OCD is cognitive-behavior therapy and medication. Cognitive therapy involves attempts at changing distorted thinking and beliefs. Behavior therapy teaches the skills needed to gain better control over one's behavior. It involves exposure to the things we fear most, then prevention of the usual response.