OCD anxiety disorder is the fourth most common mental disorder. It is characterized by intrusive thoughts and irrational behavior. The OCD sufferer knows their thoughts and actions are irrational, which in turn, causes anxiety. Managing their behavior is often the single biggest challenge for those suffering from OCD.

To be diagnosed with OCD anxiety disorder, six very specific criteria must be met: 1. Intrusive, recurring and persistent thoughts that cause stress or anxiety, 2. The thoughts must be more than just regular worry 3. The individual knows the thoughts are irrational, 4. The individual attempts to suppress or ignore the irrational thoughts 5. Repetitive behaviors and 6. Certain behaviors are done to reduce anxiety

It is difficult to predict who will get OCD anxiety disorder. It does not seem to favor one gender over the other, and can happen at any stage in life. Typically, OCD starts in the teens and twenties, though it can start much earlier or later in life.

Anyone can have OCD anxiety disorder. It can begin in childhood though it is more commonly started in the teens and twenties. OCD does not target one gender over the other. Typical behavior for an OCD sufferer is performing tasks aimed at reducing anxiety.

Formal diagnosis may be performed by a psychiatrist, psychologist or a psychoanalyst. OCD anxiety disorder sufferers know their thoughts are irrational, but still feel bound to behave in ways that reduce the anxiety.

Behavioral therapy and medication are the two most common ways OCD anxiety disorder is treated. Behavioral therapy operates on the premise of repeated exposure. In a safe and controlled environment, therapists repeatedly expose OCD sufferers to the cause of their anxiety. The patient breaks the cycle of acting out to reduce the anxiety. Over time, the sufferer can tolerate exposure to the anxiety trigger without engaging in unhealthy behavior to reduce the anxiety.

Medication is also used as a treatment option for OCD anxiety disorder. Some naturally occurring ingredients, like the sugar Inositol have proven effective. Antidepressants and antipsychotics are used as well.

Antipsychotics and antidepressants are also sometimes prescribed, though their effectiveness varies between individuals. Alternative treatments are considered as well, including Inositol, Opiods, Tryptamine and vitamin supplements. Psychosurgery is also done in extreme cases, and always as a last resort.