These phobias originate in adolescence, when shyness is seen to be a problem, and is frequently diagnosed in either gender. However, males are less likely to admit to fears. However, this explanation is not without limitations. According to the sociocultural perspective, phobias may be different across race and culture. Obsessions are disturbing thoughts that re-occur repeatedly even though they may recognise them as being irrational.
Compulsions are repetitive actions, usually performed in response to obsessions.
This disorder is similar to a phobia in that it involves a specific irrational fear. However, it differs somewhat in that the fear, which tends to exist only as a thought, tends to be reduced when the person performs some ritual. The thoughts and actions may worsen and interfere with daily life. The most common obsessions concern death, disease, disfigurement, while the most common compulsions involve checking or cleaning. People with this disorder spend hours repeatedly either washing their hands, or checking that the gas has been turned off, and so on.