obsessive-compulsive disorder

obsessive-compulsive disorder An anxiety disorder that is characterized by obsessive thoughts and compulsive actions. Abbreviated OCD. The obsessive thoughts are unwanted ideas or impulses that repeatedly well up in the mind of the person with OCD. These thoughts are intrusive and unpleasant, and they produce a high degree of anxiety. In response to their obsessions, most people with OCD resort to repetitive behaviors called compulsions. The most common of these are washing and checking. Other compulsive behaviors include counting and endlessly rearranging objects in an effort to keep them in precise alignment with each other. Treatment includes behavioral therapy and medications of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class. OCD is different from obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, which is a personality disorder rather than an anxiety disorder.