People with obsessive compulsive disorders feel distressed by their thoughts (obsessions) and find ways to make that anxiety go away (compulsions) – at least for a little while. These thoughts (obsessions) are persistent, intrusive and unwanted.

The behaviors (compulsions) can be done mentally or physically. That means that some compulsive behavior is invisible. Young children often do not understand the purpose of the compulsive behavior, they just know that it makes them feel better for a short time.