Signs and symptoms
... Signs and symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder include: Obsessions These are recurrent, persistent, unwanted ideas, thoughts or impulses that you experience involuntarily and that appear to be se...

Causes
... Doctors don''t know the exact cause of obsessive-compulsive disorder. Some researchers theorize that its cause is biological, while others feel the disorder stems from learned behavior. Still others b...

Risk factors
... Your risk of developing an obsessive-compulsive disorder is slightly higher if your parents or other family members have obsessive-compulsive disorder. However, researchers haven''t identified any gen...

When to seek medical advice
... Shame and embarrassment may keep you from seeking treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder. But even if your rituals are deeply ingrained, treatments can help. If you suspect you have obsessive-com...

Screening and diagnosis
... To diagnose obsessive-compulsive disorder, your doctor will ask you questions about your obsessions, compulsions and emotional well-being and may talk to your friends and relatives about your behavior...