Always check the door to make sure it's locked or the oven to make sure it's turned off? Or wash your hands constantly? You may be suffering from a psychological disorder called obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). It was recently discovered that 2.2 million Americans have been tested and diagnosed with OCD and that it is a common disorder affecting 1-3% of children and adolescents (Thomsen 5). OCD is known to be hereditary and symptoms can spread and start to get worse at different times (Thomsen 2). So, what is OCD? What are the causes, treatments and symptoms of this behavior? How can this disorder affect a human's life? I will answer all of these questions throughout this article. OCD is an anxiety disorder that describes a person having either obsessive thoughts, compulsive behavior, or both (Thomsen 1). Anyone suffering from this psychological disorder has repetitive thoughts and behavior in their head that they cannot stop; all of these thoughts can lead to a high anxiety disorder. Obsessions can result from compulsions that are also repetitive behaviors (“Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Part II” 2). There are different types of obsessions in a person, but the most common are fear of contamination, fear of behaving in a socially unacceptable way, need for correctness, and fear of being wrong. The most common compulsions are cleaning, constantly checking things; such as making sure the door is locked, commanding, and avoiding (“Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Part II” 2). Less than 20% of people have obsessions or compulsions and at least 80% of people with OCD have both obsessions and compulsions (Bakalar 3). OCD can range from preschool age to adulthood, but usually around age 40. I have found that I... middle of paper...... most effective for someone with obsessive compulsive disorder. This medication has some side effects, including: dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation, and weight gain. OCD is known to require higher doses than depression because antidepressants take longer to work. Some patients prefer drug treatment over behavioral therapy because it is expensive and more difficult. Psychotherapy could be another treatment option and is very rare and a last resort for some patients (Bakalar 2-3). Works Cited Bakalar, J. (2005). Obsessive-compulsive disorder: part II. Harvard Mental Health Letter, 22(5), 1-4. Thomsen, P. (2012). Obsessive compulsive disorders. European Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 22, 1-5. doi: 10.1007/s00787-012-0357-7(1998). Obsessive-compulsive disorder: part II. Harvard Letter on Mental Health, 15(5), 1-7.