Obsessive-compulsive disorder affects roughly 2 percent of the population. People with OCD get caught in a cycle of unwanted, intrusive thoughts, performing ritualistic behaviors in an attempt to ease the distress. These unwanted thoughts often revolve around a fear of losing control, harming others, being exposed to germs or contamination, or having inappropriate sexual desires. The individual then looks to compulsive behaviors ― like repeatedly reciting a mantra, counting or washing one’s hands ― to rid oneself of the disturbing thoughts.