Obsessive-Compulsive disorder, also known as OCD, is a long term illness that frequently results in symptoms which can interfere with a person\'s normal everyday activities without treatment.

In some cases, OCD can become so severe that the person is unable to work or even to lead a normal life with a family. Social situations may also become difficult due to obsessive compulsive disorder symptoms. With treatment, the symptoms of OCD can often be reduced so that the person is able to at least lead a normal life while working and raising a family.

One of the most common obsessive compulsive disorder symptoms is anxiety. An individual who suffers from obsessive compulsive disorder may feel as though something terrible will occur if they do not perform a specific task or ritual. For example, the person may check numerous times to make sure the stove is off.

While it is not uncommon for many people to double-check such things, the process for a person suffering from OCD is often much more ritualistic and can take up a significant amount of time each day, even to the point that they are unable to complete other everyday tasks. If the person does not perform the task, they may be immediately overwhelmed by anxiety.

That said, the symptoms of OCD can vary from one person to another and may include a variety of different symptoms.

Other obsessive compulsive disorder symptoms include:

* A fear or excessive concern regarding body odor, germs, body secretions. These types of obsessive thoughts may even express concern for the way the body normally functions.

* Excessive concern with neatness and order.

* A fear of doing something embarrassing

* Continually thinking of certain numbers, words, sounds

* Continually counting or checking things

* A fear that something awful will happen or befall the individual or someone else

* Repeatedly or frequently showering, washing hands or performing other types of actions

* Continually straightening or cleaning items

* Continually checking buttons, zippers and closures on clothing

* Constantly checking appliances, doors or lights to be certain they are closed or turned off

* Repeatedly performing certain activities such as standing up or sitting down

* Hoarding items

* Repeatedly saying the same things or asking the same questions

* Avoiding situations or public places

* Performing religious rituals

In some cases, especially with children, the individual may feel as though they need to repeat certain actions until they feel better or \'right\'. For example, the person may go up and down stairs multiple times until they feel \'right\'.

Depression is a common secondary condition with OCD. As a result, the person may commonly experience suicidal feelings. This can often be difficult to detect in children who are unable to verbally express their feelings.

Instead, they may begin to experience a reluctance to go to school or may begin to experience feelings of fear of leaving the person they trust the most. Treatment can help to reduce obsessive compulsive disorder symptoms.