Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a type of anxiety disorder that affects up to 2.3 % of the general U.S. population (NIMH) at some time in their lives. People with OCD can experience obsessions, which are unwanted, intrusive thoughts that are hard to turn off along with rituals and compulsions aimed at stopping or calming the anxiety. While the rituals and compulsions often temporarily reduce anxiety, they are not a lasting solution and can interfere with important activities and day-to-day life. Individuals often seek treatment for this reason.

There is somewhat of a lack of agreement regarding the causes of OCD. However, some researchers have concluded that it may be caused by certain areas of the brain not responding normally to serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter. OCD can be passed on generationally.