Obsessive-compulsive disorder is simply excessive obsessions that lead to repetitive behaviors or compulsions. It is a disorder in which people tend to have recurring, unwanted thoughts, ideas or sensations that make them feel driven to do something repetitively.
The repetitive behaviors, such as cleaning continuously, checking on things, can significantly interfere with a person’s day to day activities and social interactions.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is characterized by unreasonable thoughts and fears that lead to compulsive behaviors.
For people with OCD, thoughts are persistent, and behaviors are unvarying. Not performing the behaviors commonly causes great discomfort.