Obsessive-compulsive disorder (also known as OCD) is a problem related to anxiety and is marked by unmanageable and useless thinking coupled with recurring and formulaic actions that the patient feels coerced to carry out. People who are having OCD are likely to be aware of the fact that they compulsive thinking as well as actions are extremely illogical, but still they would have a feeling that they cannot resist such thoughts and behaviors and get away from them.

Despite abundant research being carried out into obsessive-compulsive disorder, the exact cause has not been identified. OCD is, however, considered to have a neurobiological basis, with neuroimaging research showing that the brain functions differently in people with the disorder.

Abnormalities, or an imbalance in the neurotransmitters, or brain chemicals, including serotonin, dopamine or glutamine are thought to be involved in OCD. In certain individuals, OCD could be triggered by a combination of genetic, neurological, behavioral, cognitive and environmental factors.