OCD is a disorder where a sufferer performs repetitive actions to relieve anxiety, only to feel more anxiety. OCD is in the spectrum of anxiety disorders and the good news, it is treatable. The bad news is that it is a long process for most and can be very painful and stressful in the interim.
Unpleasant thoughts affect everyone at some time or another. Fortunately for most people they manage to banish these thoughts instead of succumbing to them. The difference for people with OCD is that OCD sufferers just cannot get rid of the thought no matter how hard they try and it can lead to disruptive and irrational behaviors, all in the name of sanity.
Fear is the root of OCD obsessions. Fear of contamination is a symptom that burrows deep into a patient's mind leaving them with a sense of insecurity where they feel dirty and unclean hence habitual compulsory hand washing. Then we have the checker who constantly doubles back on them selves checking to secure doors, windows or the stove for example. They always fear the consequences of their actions and what it “could” do to themselves or others. They don’t take chances and take the precautions they feel are necessary to stay safe.
Frustration is a common complaint for people with OCD. They must constantly organize and control how and when things are done. When things get moved or are in upheaval, they lose it. Peace of mind is all an infected person is in search of and by fulfilling tasks that have become an obsession, it is then they find contentment even if only for a little while. Compulsive behaviors are carried out religiously by people with OCD to help counteract depression or anxiety brought on by their obsessions.
The reason behind why people suffer from OCD is unknown but there are factors that can be taken into account where some evidence has shown that it runs in the family, this does not mean that your actions are duplicated like that of your parents or grandparents. The root of OCD is up for much debate. Disorders such as trichotillomania, or hair pulling and picking of the skin, are quite common results of obsessive thinking.
People who have no understanding on this condition would see habits performed by an OCD sufferer as a sign of craziness. Health of an infected person can deteriorate due to self inflicted stress by trying to conceal their actions. It is much better to confront the situation and confess to the ones that love you than to keep trying to cover it up.