OCD is a recognized mental disorder common in society at large. There are many symptoms associated with this disorder as well as certain prevalences associated with it. This disorder also has various causes and treatment methods that accompany the disease as a whole. Today, the disease is more widely known and much information is available about it. Symptoms: Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a mental illness in which people exhibit either a combination of obsessions and compulsions or each individually (Britannica). Obsessions can be things that cause worry and anxiety in a person, certain urges and feelings are common triggers for these obsessions (book). A compulsion is also the feeling of having to perform certain actions triggered by obsessions, the most common compulsion is to wash your hands for fear of germs (book). OCD has many symptoms associated with the condition, but some are more common than others. One of the most common symptoms of the disease is the fear of coming into contact with people or inanimate objects due to the germs they may have on them (mayoclinic.com). Having a family history of OCD can increase the likelihood that a person will be diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (mayoclinic). Also in the long term, “available studies suggest that 32% to 74% of adult OCD patients will experience long-term clinical improvement” (journal). Prevalence: “Obsessive-compulsive disorder affects two to three percent of the general population and occurs equally in men and women, and can first appear at any age” (Britannica). Also “Current epidemiological data suggest that OCD is the fourth most common mental disorder” (book). Although it can occur at any time...... middle of paper ...... h, we have various ways to treat or help affected people cope with this disorder. Since OCD is something that can happen to anyone, a public with a basic understanding of the disorder will aid in the detection and awareness of this disorder. Works Cited Hollander, Eric and Dan J. Stein. Obsessive-compulsive disorders: diagnosis, etiology, treatment. New York: Dekker, 1997. Print. Expanded eBook collection (EBSCOhost). Internet. November 13, 2013. Mayo Clinic Staff. “Obsessive compulsive disorder.” Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). 2010. Internet. November 11, 2013 “obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). » British. Encyclopedia Britannica, 2013. Web. November 13, 2013 Bloch, Michael H. et al. “Long-term outcome in adults with obsessive-compulsive disorder.” Depression and Anxiety 30.8 (2013): 716-722. Premier Extended Search. Internet. October 16. 2013.