Description

People with this disorder are tortured by a specific thought (the obsession). This thought triggers a certain fear. They try to diminish this fear by a repetitive behavior (the compulsion). They must do this behavior, for example checking if the light is out for a number of times, or washing their hands. It is also possible that the compulsion is in their mind. They might repeat a certain thought a number of time. This disorder is not the same as the obsessive-compulsive personality disorder.

Normal

When you go on a holiday, you usually double-check whether the door is locked. Or you go back in the house one more time to make sure the gas is closed off.

Abnormal

This disorder has a major influence on your normal life. These people might force themselves to wash their hands five times when they come home. They suffer from these obsessive thoughts. An example of someone with this order can be seen in the movie 'As Good As It Gets'.