Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Alternative names:

obsessive-compulsive neurosis; OCD

Symptoms:

• recurrent and persistent thoughts, ideas, or impulses that cause distress
• repetitive, purposeful, and intentional behaviors performed in response to an obsession
• recognition that the behavior is excessive or unreasonable

Signs and tests:

The person's own description of the behavior usually leads to diagnosis of the disorder. A physical examination is given to rule out physical cause, and a psychological evaluation is given to rule out other psychiatric disorders.