Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a potentially disabling anxiety disorder. People afflicted with OCD become trapped in a pattern of repetitive, senseless thoughts and behaviors that are very difficult to overcome.
Left untreated, a severe case of OCD can destroy a person's capacity to function at work or school—or to lead a comfortable existence at home.
Although OCD symptoms typically begin during the teen years or early adulthood, research shows that some children may even develop the illness during preschool.