What is OCD?

These are upsetting thoughts or impulses that repeatedly occur.

• People with OCD may try to ignore or suppress them, but they may be afraid that somehow the thoughts might be true.
• The anxiety associated with suppression can also become too great to endure, making them engage in compulsive behaviors to decrease their anxiety.
• These are repetitive acts that temporarily relieve the stress and anxiety brought on by an obsession. Often, people who have compulsions believe these rituals will prevent something bad from happening.