There are many ways to explain OCD to someone, but one of the most common is to describe it as a type of anxiety disorder. People with OCD often have very intense and persistent anxiety that leads them to engage in repetitive behaviors or thoughts in an attempt to ease their anxiety. These behaviors or thoughts are often called obsessions." People with OCD may obsessively wash their hands, check things, or count things in an attempt to make their anxiety go away. Unfortunately, these behaviors often only serve to make the anxiety worse, and the person with OCD can end up feeling trapped in a cycle of anxiety and compulsions."