One of the most prevalent disorders across the country today is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, or otherwise known as OCD. All types and ages of people can develop OCD, and it can play a significant role in how you go about your daily life and the daily stress you face. Obsessive-compulsive disorder falls under the category of anxiety disorders and is characterized by persistent routines and obsessions that often result in compulsive rituals performed on a daily basis. Some common factors linked to OCD are the need to fix things, compulsive acts of washing hands, and even counting. (Canadian Mental Health Association, 2014, p. 1) Many symptoms can fall into the category of OCD. Some people have both obsessions and compulsions, but others may also experience only one factor. (L.Robinson, 2014, p.2) Some symptoms that can be classified as signs of obsessive thoughts include: fear of germs, violent thoughts or images, fear of harm, superstitions and symmetry. Although these are just a few, there are many symptoms mostly involving the action of being afraid of something. Some signs of compulsive behavior can include excessive double-checking of things, counting, repeating words, arranging things, and even hoarding. I find it ironic that two people with completely different visions of what a home should look like can both suffer from the same illness. For example, one person may be a hoarder living in a cluttered house, and another person may live in the most perfectly cleaned house. Although OCD may seem harmless and, in some cases, even a benefit from becoming helpless and lazy, there are also many risk factors. Obsessive...... middle of paper ...... maybe. Although it seems harmless, it can affect a person's way of thinking, their stress levels, their children's early childhood, and even their performance in school or work. Works Cited Lawrence, R., Melinda, S. and Jeanne, S. (nd). Retrieved from http://www.helpguide.org/mental/obsessive_compulsive_disorder_ocd.htm “Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).” Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario Division. ACSM, 2014. Web. February 28, 2014. Fontenelle, LF and Hasler, G. “The analytical epidemiology of obsessive-compulsive disorder: risk factors and correlates” Progress in Neuropsychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry2008 32: 1-15. “Obsessive compulsive disorder”. Obsessive compulsive disorder. Royal College of Psychiatrists, nd Web. February 28, 2014. “Key Ethical Principles.” Key ethical principles. Ascension Health, 2014. Web. February 28. 2014.