Approximately 2 percent of the population suffers from OCD, and about one-third of adult cases begin in childhood. A person is diagnosed with OCD when compulsive activities consume at least an hour a day, are very distressing, and interfere with daily life.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is characterized by unwanted thoughts or behaviors that seem impossible to stop or control. OCD sufferers may be troubled by obsessions, such as a recurring worry that you forgot to turn off the oven or that you might hurt someone. You may also suffer from uncontrollable compulsions, such as washing your hands over and over.