Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is characterized by obsessions (reoccurring, intrusive thoughts or images) and compulsions (actions performed in response to the obsession). Obsessions are worries or concerns that feel uncontrollable and cause distress. Compulsions are repetitive rituals the person feels compelled to complete to ease their distress. Engagement in the compulsion often results in brief relief and then leads to increased reliance on the compulsion to lessen the anxiety.