Arithmomania: The Inability to Stop Counting

  Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is an often disabling condition consisting of recurrent, bothersome, and intrusive thoughts, urges, or images that cause feelings of discomfort. To reduce the anxiety and distress associated with these thoughts, the patient may employ certain compulsions or rituals. The DSM-5 defines compulsions by the following points: Repetitive behaviors or mental acts that the person feels driven to perform in response to an obsession. Behaviors or mental acts that are intended to reduce anxiety or prevent some feared situation. However, these behaviors or mental actions don’t really connect with what it is they’re meant to prevent. The…