OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) is a type of anxiety disorder characterized by irrational thoughts and fears leading you to do unwanted repetitive behaviors.  You may be able to realize that your obsessions are unreasonable and you may even try to stop them like you would once you get help for depression. However, your attempts would increase your anxiety and you would end up performing compulsive acts to alleviate your stress and anxiety. OCD usually starts during childhood or teenage. What Causes OCD The exact cause of OCD is not known. However, changes in your body chemistry and brain functions may contribute to this disorder. It may also run in families. Environmental factors may also lead to this disorder.  Inadequate serotonin level may also cause obsessive compulsive disorder. If you react to stress strongly, you are more likely to develop this disorder. OCD Symptoms Obsessive compulsive disorder cause both obsession and compulsion symptoms. If the obsessions are recurrent and persistent and you have impulsions involuntarily, it may be one of the OCD symptoms. In order to be diagnosed with this disorder, your obsessions must be repeated and intrude while you try to think about or do some other things.  Obsession symptoms include • Fearing about contamination while touching objects that have been touched by others or while shaking hands. • Unwanted thoughts or images of hurting your child • Avoiding situations that could trigger obsessions • Imagining pornography in your mind repeatedly • Skin lesions due to picking at your skin ...

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