PERSPECTIVES O

bsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is char-acterized by unwanted intrusive thoughts (obses-sions) and ritualized repetitive behaviors (compulsions) that are often unpleasant and time-consuming; those affl icted feel tormented and can be function-ally disabled. Classic examples include obsessions about con-tamination, which are associ-ated with anxiety and lead to washing compulsions. Compul-sive behaviors are not unique t