Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), is a type of anxiety disorder marked by recurrent and intrusive thoughts referred to as obsessions sometimes accompanied by repetitive and often uncontrollable behaviours known as compulsions. Repetitive behaviours such as repeatedly washing ones hands, counting, obsessively checking or cleaning are often performed. Many patients diagnosed with OCD report that they undertake the behaviours with the aim of suppressing or putting to rest obsessive thoughts.
As an example a person who is paranoid about dirt or germs may repeatedly clean or wash their hands. It is often the case that undertaking the repetitive behaviours only temporary relief if any at all from the obsessive thoughts with anxiety levels increasing if the rituals are not performed.
People diagnosed with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) suffer from constant rumination of thoughts and images, which instigate the anxiety response urging them to engage in associated rituals and repetitive behaviour.