Everyone has experienced emotions such as anxiety, fear, and worry; they are part of everyday life. These reactions are normal and healthy; they generally don't come too often, and when they do, they don't last very long. However, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (1998) estimates that there are approximately 3.2 million Americans who suffer from a psychological anxiety disorder called obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Those who suffer from this condition have frequent upsetting and unreasonable thoughts, worries, or fears. The Harvard Mental Health Letter (1998) notes that: “The most common obsessive theme is cleanliness (dirt and germs), followed by aggression and sex, security, and order or symmetry. Obsessions can take the form of doubts (did something happen to my child?); fears (something could happen to the child); images (I see the child drowning); or impulses (I fear harming the child)” (para. 13). In an attempt to control these obsessive themes, they perform one or more ritual behaviors or mental acts called compulsions. Unfortunately, these behaviors relieve the intrusive thoughts and feelings for only a short time, before returning and ultimately trapping those suffering from this condition in a pattern of repetitive obsessions and senseless compulsions. Symptoms of OCD are numerous and include: repetitive touching, checking, or counting; avoid or adhere to certain numbers; excessive washing or cleaning; and hoarding. Karno (1998) found that “at some point in their lives, often during their late teens or twenties, 2-3% of people cross the line from normal worry and fussiness to debilitating disorder” (as cited in Myers, 2011, pages 463-464). Many individuals... middle of paper... their thoughts to the point where they can tolerate behavioral therapy and live a somewhat normal life" (Kato, 1992). Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a difficult condition to overcome." A 40-year follow-up study of 144 Swedes diagnosed with the disorder found that, for the most part, the obsessions and compulsions had gradually decreased, although only 1 in 5 had fully recovered. (Skoog & Skoog, 1999)" (as cited in Myers). It can take months or years to get OCD under control and, in fact, it may never go away. However, celebrities such as Howard Hughes, Howie Mandel and David Beckham all suffer from this disorder and are able to keep it under control and manage to maintain a successful career and live a relatively normal life. They are proof to millions of Americans suffering from OCD that counting, cleaning, hoarding can eventually be controlled.