Also known as OCD, obsessive-compulsive disorder is a neurotic mental illness in which intrusive, negative thoughts and/or impulses which regularly enter the person's mind (obsessions) are counteracted by repetitive acts or rituals performed to alleviate the anxiety and general distress created by these obsessions. It is possible to qualify for a diagnosis of OCD if only obsessions or compulsions are present, although the vast majority have both.
by Doc_B April 14, 2015