What are the key features of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)? Describe some of the symptoms of this disorder.

Students' answers may vary.Key terms and concepts that may be included in student responses:
▪ OCD-sufferers experience anxiety because of obsessional thoughts and when they cannot carry out compulsive behaviors.The person has obsessions (i.e., persistent thoughts or urges and engages in some type of attempt to ignore or suppress them)and/or compulsions (i.e., engaging in a repetitive act or behavior to prevent or reduce anxiety).These are time consuming and impair functioning across multiple life domains.
▪ Features-begins at a young age, onset for males is between 6 and 15, and for females between 20 and 29; chronic if left untreated; can be very distressing, time-consuming, and harmful; sufferer may experience depression, panic attacks, phobias, substance abuse
▪ Symptoms-common obsessive thoughts include those of dirt and contamination, aggressive impulses, sexual thoughts, impulses to do something against one's moral code, repeated doubts, "checking" compulsions, "magical thinking," stereotyped and rigid rituals