A disorder with two essential
characteristics;recurrent and persistent thoughts, ideas, and feelings, and
repetitive, ritualized behaviors. Attempts to resist a compulsion produce
mounting tension and anxiety, which are relieved immediately by giving in to it.
The term is not properly used for behaviors like excessive drinking, gambling,
eating, etc. on the grounds that the "compulsive gambler," for example, actually
derives considerable pleasure from gambling; one burdened with a true
obsessive-compulsive disorder derives no pleasure from it other than the release
of tension.