compulsive disorder
...ughts or rituals. Amazingly, most OCD-sufferers keep their troubles hidden. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder can begin suddenly and is usually seen as a problem as soon as it starts. OCD is different from the superstitions of everyday life. Many people believe in lucky numbers, avoid walking under ladders, keep umbrellas closed in the house, or knock on wood. People with OCD have rituals that go far beyond these common beliefs and habits. OCD patients have these rituals or thoughts where they know are senseless, and waste hours every day using up precious school, work, or personal time. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is characterized by the presence of either obsessions or compulsions. Out of the people diagnosed with OCD, 80% of them report both types of symptoms. Obsessions are defined as recurrent, persistent ideas, thoughts, impulses, or images that are experienced as annoying and senseless. Compulsions are repetitive, intentional behaviors performed according to rules in a ritualistic manner. People with OCD typically try to make their obsessions go away by performing compulsions. Compulsions are acts the person performs over and over again, often according to certain "rules." People with an obsession about contamination may wash constantly to the point that their hands become raw and inflamed. A perso...