OCD: small habits or control disorder? Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a psychological disorder that affects a person's thoughts and behaviors by forcing them to constantly perform unwanted tasks. OCD, particularly compulsive ordering, organizing and rituals, goes against any form of rational thinking and the person suffering from this disorder is aware of the irrational thoughts and behaviors but still feels compelled to carry them out. Unable to resist, the affected person's life is slowly controlled by these impulses. OCD may start as a small habit, but it has the potential to become a life-controlling disorder. There are a few explanations for the onset of OCD. It is possible that a person could inherit OCD from their parents, although it is not always likely. Parents with OCD can have children without the disorder; similarly, parents without the disorder can have children with OCD, but evidence from Toates and Coschug-Toates suggests that there is a possibility that “the tendency to the condition is transmitted genetically between generations” (90). The environment of a person growing up als...