Obsessive-compulsive
disorder (OCD) is characterized by obsessions and/or compulsions. Obsessions
are repetitive thoughts or images that the individual knows to be nonsense.
Compulsions are repetitive behavior that the person feels compelled to do in
order to reduce anxiety. An example is the extreme obsession with cleanliness
and fear of contamination that can lead to the compulsion to wash one’s hands
continuously. Another example of obsession is the fear of gas and the need to
check and recheck that the gas burners are turned off.
The Vital Needs Theory - page 38