Obsessive—compulsive disorder is a common psychiatric disorder characterized by intrusive thoughts or ‘obsessions’, which predispose to repetitive acts or rituals, known as ‘compulsions’. These compulsions are necessary to relieve the anxiety caused by the obsession. Patients have insight into the unnecessary nature of the symptoms but can find them hard to suppress. Inability to carry out everyday activities can lead to significant functional impairment. Many feel embarrassed and go to great lengths to conceal the disorder from others which can lead to a delay in diagnosis and management.
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