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Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder that is characterized by the following features:

• Obsessions and/or compulsions (usually both) are the primary clinical symptoms of the disorder.
• The symptoms must be present for a significant period of time during the course of the day for 2 weeks or longer.
• The symptoms cause the patient a significant amount of anxiety and distress and usually disrupt activities of daily living.
• The obsessions and compulsions must be self-generated and not forced upon the patient by someone else.
• The patient recognizes that the obsessions and compulsions are irrational and don't make any sense.
• The patient does not derive any intrinsic pleasure from these repetitive intrusive thoughts, behaviors, or mental acts.
• The patient cannot control or prevent their urge or impulse to indulge in these obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors.