It is characterized by irrational beliefs that bring about bizarre rituals, greatly affecting everyday life. An obsession is a repetitive thought or image that produces anxiety, and a compulsion is the desire to perform acts to reduce anxiety. A person with the disorder is aware that the acts and thoughts are not normal, but consider them to be beyond his or her control. If the act is not performed, the person will develop unbearable anxiety. It is unclear why a person may develop this disorder.
Treatment includes drugs, relaxation techniques, and sometimes psychotherapy.