What is OCD anxiety disorder? It is a disorder where its sufferers experience involuntary intrusive thoughts. The actual anxiety comes from the individual acknowledging the thoughts and doing irrational behavior to help ease the anxiety.

There are six criteria that must be met for a diagnosis of OCD anxiety disorder. They are: 1. Repetitive behaviors, 2. Intrusive and recurring thoughts that cause stress or anxiety, 3. The individual knows the thoughts and behaviors are irrational, 4. The individual tries to suppress or ignore the thoughts and 5. The behaviors or tasks are performed specifically to reduce anxiety 6. The thoughts are more than just normal worry

They are: 1. recurring, intrusive and persistent thoughts that cause anxiety, 2. the thoughts are more than worries about legitimate problems, 3. the person must attempt to ignore or suppress the thoughts, 4. the person recognizes the thoughts or behavior as irrational, 5. repetitive behaviors and 6. the behaviors are aimed at reducing anxiety

There are two main types of OCD: 1. OCD with overt compulsion and 2. OCD without overt compulsion. Those with OCD with overt compulsion turn their thoughts into actions. They do specific behaviors designed to reduce anxiety. Those with OCD without overt compulsions still have recurring thoughts that cause anxiety, but they do not act on them.

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.

Most experts studying OCD anxiety disorder agree that it is caused by both biological and psychological factors. OCD sufferers find varying ways to relieve the anxiety they feel. They often get stuck in a cycle enforced by negative reinforcement. They continue to have thoughts that cause anxiety, so they continue to find ways to relieve it.

Doctor prescribed medication is also used to treat OCD anxiety disorder. Many of the drugs used reduce excess serotonin from being released into the brain. Regulated serotonin levels helps in reducing obsessive thoughts and feelings of anxiety.

Many of the medications prescribed regulate the release of the chemical serotonin. Excessive serotonin can magnify the feelings of anxiety and obsessive behaviors. Lastly, in rare and extreme cases where nothing else has worked, psychosurgery has been performed.