"I know it sounds silly, but I feel like something is going to happen, if I   don't wash my hands."

  This quote expresses the dilemma faced by many people with
  obsessive compulsive disorder - OCD. Everyone obsesses about
  one thing or another, but with OCD the obsessions are overwhelming   and the compulsions can interfere with even the most basic tasks of   daily living.

  (Many people with autism have obsessions, so it is difficult to decide   when it is "just a part of the autism" or when it has progressed to OCD.   Unfortunately, the treatment for OCD may be completely different as   opposed to autism. Professional help will be needed for OCD, and   probably also in trying to determine if it truly is OCD. For us, as
  parents, we feel that if the obsessions greatly interfere with their life,   cause extreme anxiety, or make no sense at all, then professional
  help - a qualified psychologist with experience in handling both OCD   and autism - is definitely called for. Autism may get better with   reassurance and education, but OCD definitely won't. - OZMO.)

  OCD is a potentially disabling condition. An individual experiences
  unwanted and disturbing thoughts - the obsessions. They may do   repetitive mental or behavioral actions - the compulsions. People with   this condition typically experience severe anxiety, so OCD is   considered an anxiety disorder.

  Some common obsessions:
  · Dirt, germs, illness
  · Fear or hurting others
  · Mistakes
  · Having "bad" thoughts
  · Need for symmetry or having things perfect

  Some common compulsions:
  · Washing and cleaning
  · Checking of locks, clothes, switches, etc.
  · Collecting or hoarding
  · Repeating movements
  · Straightening or lining things up
  · Putting items in a certain order
  · Thinking about special numbers or thoughts
  · Seeking reassurance from others or God

  Most people with OCD realize their obsessions are unrealistic or   excessive, but feel unable to control them. In all cases, the
  obsessions are involuntary and resisted by the person with OCD.

  Because the anxiety and other feelings caused by the obsessions
  can be so distressing, people with OCD create rituals (compulsions)
  to relieve the anxiety. Usually the rituals are performed in a methodical,   repetitive fashion.

  OCD affects about 2% of the adult population, so it is not rare. OCD   occurs in both children and adults. It is thought that both biological and   psychological factors contribute to cause OCD.

  OCD can be treated and improved. A combination of Cognitive
  Behavior Therapy specific for OCD, and medication, is usually the
  most successful.

  It is difficult for others to understand the overwhelming terror that
  people with OCD experience on a daily basis. Please be
  understanding and encourage them to get expert help.

  (Adapted with permission from the Anxiety Disorders Center at the
  St. Louis Behavioral Medicine Institute.)

  The St. Louis Behavioral Medicine Institute can be contacted at:   www.slbmi.com or 1-877-245-2688