Question

How obsessive disorder is related to compulsive disorder.

Answer 1

Obsessive disorder and compulsive disorder are two parts of the same condition called Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).

• Obsessions are unwanted, repeated thoughts or fears (e.g., fear of germs).
• Compulsions are the repeated actions or behaviors done to reduce the anxiety caused by those thoughts (e.g., washing hands many times).

They are closely related because the obsession (thought) causes anxiety, and the compulsion (action) is done to relieve that anxiety. In OCD, both happen together in a cycle that can be hard to control.