th their lives, giving in to their compulsions temporarily, usually in private. Others go through phases of OCD behavior with complete remission between episodes. Obsessive hand washing, hoarding, and checking ("Is the door locked?"; Are all the appliances off?" are two examples of checking) all are three examples of OCD behavior which could sufficiently be managed by a person with strong compensation skills.
For about 10 percent of those afflicted, the disorder is chronic and disabling. Zamula (1992) notes, "Days, even nights, are consumed by rituals that prevent them from functioning normally. Many cannot hold down a job, and others are afraid to marry, fearing that their rituals will be revealed. OCD people find no pleasure in their rituals--only temporary relief from anxiety. Without treatment, OCD may last a lifetime" (p. 7).
A survey of the literature on OCD indicates that no one knows exactly what cau
...