Stress is part of life. So are routines. With OCD, a type of anxiety disorder, normal concerns and habits are pushed aside by unwanted thoughts, which compel a person compulsively to perform rituals to make the thoughts go away. The first step toward diagnosis - and, ultimately, getting help - is understanding OCD's symptoms, which are each affected person's unique obsessions and the compulsive behaviors that result. Obsessions are uncontrollable fears, irrational impulses, and persistent, unwanted thoughts that occupy the mind of a person affected by OCD. These obsessions typically center on themes, like fear of contamination, harm or losing control; perfectionism, unwanted sexual thoughts, and excessive preoccupation with morality and/or religion, also called scrupulosity. Compulsions, which are the persistent repetitive actions by people with OCD, are usually performed according to "rules" that their minds tell them will make everything okay. A person with OCD may constantly scrub household areas, recheck that tasks are performed correctly - like making sure the burglar alarm is on - repeat activities according to a "safe" number, or continually rearrange items to be sure they're "right." The difference between typical concerns about illness or finances, and habits like bedtime rituals or "cleaning day," is that the anxiety is temporary and the routines typically flexible. For people with OCD, constant anxiety and necessary rituals interfere with daily living. Unfortunately, most people with OCD remain undiagnosed for years. One reason for this is that OCD sufferers often hide their behaviors, fearing embarrassment, ridicule or discrimination. Others simply don't think of their behavior in terms of a treatable illness. If you - or someone you know - is affected by OCD, it's important to realize that there's no shame in seeking help. In fact, talking to a family doctor or a mental health professional is a positive step toward regaining control of one's daily life. There are several components to an accurate diagnosis of OCD including a thorough psychological, medical and family history, as well as a discussion of specific symptoms and behavior patterns. Diagnosing OCD involves meeting the criteria published by the American Psychiatric Association - including experiencing obsessions or compulsions that significantly interfere with one's daily routine, and realizing they're excessive or unreasonable. The clinician also confirms that the obsessions are intrusive, persistent thoughts that cause distress and can't be suppressed - and that the compulsive, repetitive behaviors are an effort to prevent anxiety about unrealistic obsessions. Symptoms of OCD are the obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors meeting the American Psychiatric Association's criteria. And once diagnosed, there are treatments that can help. For concerns about OCD, consult a mental health professional.