ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTIONObsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic psychiatric disorder that presents with constant or recurring intrusive, anxiety-generating thoughts known as obsessions, coupled with the initiation of repetitive behaviors or rituals, known as compulsions. Compulsions are perceived by patients with OCD as necessary to reduce anxiety [5]. There are several OCD-related disorders that are also characterized by obsessions and/or compulsions but should not be confused with OCD. These include among others, body dysmorphic disorder, hoarding disorder, trichotillomania (hair-pulling disorder), and excoriation (skin-picking) disorder [5]. Both OCD and OCD-related disorders can be severely debilitating, interfering with social life, employment, and other activities of daily life. Today, OCD affects nearly 2% of the population in the United States. It is not gender-specific and it is often most severe in patients with co-morbid depression [8].
