Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder characterized by intrusive thoughts that produce unease, apprehension, fear, or worry. The actions of people with OCD can appear paranoid and potentially psychotic. However, people with OCD usually recognize that their obsessions and compulsions are irrational and may become even more distressed by this realization. Obsessive-compulsive disorder affects children and adolescents, as well as adults. Approximately one-third to one-half of adults with OCD report an onset of the disorder in childhood, suggesting a lifelong continuum of anxiety disorders. OCD can be the result of changes in your body's natural chemistry or brain function. OCD may also have a genetic component, but specific genes have not yet been identified. OCD can come from behavioral habits you've developed over time. Doctors don't know the exact cause of OCD. Factors that may play a role include head trauma, infections, and abnormal functioning of certain areas of the brain, and family genes appear to play an important role. Most people who develop OCD show symptoms by age 30. Often the person engages in behaviors to get rid of the obsessive thoughts, but this only brings temporary relief. Not performing obsessive rituals can cause great anxiety. Signs and Symptoms of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Most people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) have both obsessions and compulsions, but some people only experience one or the other. symptoms: Obsessive thoughts. Common obsessive thoughts in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) include: Fear of being contaminated by germs or dirt or of contaminating others. paper... or fearful without having obsessive thoughts or acting compulsively. A type of therapy called exposure and response prevention is particularly helpful in reducing compulsive behaviors related to OCD. Medications – Doctors may also prescribe medications to help treat OCD. The most commonly prescribed medications for OCD are anti-anxiety medications and antidepressants. Anti-anxiety medications are powerful and come in different types. Many types start working immediately, but they generally should not be taken for long periods of time. OCD can be a difficult thing to live with and a struggle for some. If you have OCD and aren't getting treatment, you should because it could save your life or just help you be a happier person if this condition is making you depressed. That being said, I encourage anyone who is affected to not give up and seek treatment...