Understanding Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Symptoms & Causes

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder characterized by recurring unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions). The obsessions are often distressing and can cause severe anxiety. The compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts that the person feels driven to perform in order to reduce the anxiety caused by the obsessions.