Obsessive compulsive disorder affects 2.3% of the population aged eighteen to fifty-four. In the United States alone, 3.3 million people suffer from this mental illness. Statistics have shown that men and women are equally affected by obsessive compulsive disorder. Children as young as six years old may show signs of OCD, but diagnosis at this age can be difficult. In most cases, signs of OCD become permanent during adolescence into early adulthood. Usually, stress, illness, and fatigue can make this disorder and its symptoms worse. Throughout a person's life, OCD can become mild, to the point of almost nonexistent, or it can take over their life completely. It is extremely important to seek help and pursue treatment that will help keep OCD at a healthy level. Failure to do so can certainly lead to the inability to function properly in one's life (Understanding Obsessive Compulsive Disorder). This article will discuss obsessive compulsive disorder in detail. It will compare the differences between obsessions and compulsions, the possible causes of OCD discovered so far, the different types of OCD, and finally, various treatment options. What is obsessive compulsive disorder? Obsessive compulsive disorder is a mental illness that affects a person's thoughts and actions. It is classified as an anxiety disorder. People with obsessive compulsive disorder are known to have recurring thoughts and/or engage in the same behaviors multiple times throughout the day, which they feel compelled to do. Sometimes obsessions turn into disturbing images or uncontrollable urges. A person with this disorder most often tries to get rid of their obsessive thoughts by...... middle of paper ...... OCD could learn to control their obsessions and compulsions with the help from a professional, friends and family and, a little more difficult, on their own (Robinson, Segal & Smith, 2014). Works Cited Goodman, W. (2006). “What is obsessive-compulsive disorder?” ". Psychology Center. Accessed May 8, 2014, from http://psychcentral.com/lib/what-is-obsessive-compulsive-disorder/00076Lawrence, R., Melinda, S. and Jeanne, S. (nd). “Obsessive compulsive disorder”. Help guide. Retrieved May 8, 2014, from http://www.helpguide.org/mental/obsessive_compulsive_disorder_ocd.htmNichols, H. (February 8, 2010). “What is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?” » Medical news today. Retrieved May 8, 2014, from http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/178508.php “Understanding Compulsive Disorder.” (nd). UOCD. Retrieved May 8, 2014 from http://understanding_ocd.tripod.com/index.html