Obsessive Compulsive Neurosis: What is It?

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is a malady constituting of multiple forms of obsessive behavior or compulsion. Although it is somewhat of a rarity to possess both symptoms, some patients have proven to be susceptible to both affections. Having either of the two is sufficient enough to develop an early diagnosis or prognosis.

An obsession, according to Dictionary.com is "the domination of one's thoughts or feelings by a persistent idea, image or desire." A compulsion, although slightly similar to an obsession, is a behavioral pattern a person consciously feels is necessary to perform in order to fulfill other tasks. Obsessive Compulsive Behavior can consist of both repeated mental or physical activities. Another name, sometimes used for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder according to Healthscout.com is Obsessive-Compulsive Neurosis.

Originally, OCD was thought to be a very rare affliction that affected only a menial percent of the American population but as science evolved, studies began to show that at least three million Americans suffer from OCD. OCD is most commonly noticed in its earliest stage at the age of twenty or thirty. There is no known cause for OCD but several theories have helped develop a plausible theory. Certain medical practitioners believe that head trauma or an infection may lead to this order but, once again, there is no real proof; they are merely theories.