Obsessive-compulsive behaviors are most often seen in one of the anxiety disorders, called obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The etiology behind these behaviors is different, in that anxiety is its root. People with OCD develop rituals that need to be completed in a certain way each time.

When caring for people with OCD:

• Work under the premise that anything that increases anxiety will increase the likelihood of needing to participate in rituals.
• Know that displaying anger or frustration does not help.
• Ask the person to tell you how he or she has been taught to handle the rituals.
• Give the person plenty of time to get ready for procedures and daily activities.

Source: Stressed Out About Difficult Patients, HCPro Inc., 2007. For more information on this book, click here.