Based on themes arising from real life interviews, TOUCH WOOD looks at the nature of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. The action takes place over one night where we see a man preparing for bed. However instead of falling asleep he spends the time checking and rechecking lights, doors and clocks, obsessively securing the house for his night's rest. Stylistically the animation highlights the divide between the character and his attempt to control his increasingly malevolent environment. The film explores the uneasy balance between the man's desire to control his life and the compulsions that try to possess him. Director: Vivienne Jones Producer: Orly Yadin & Gillian Lacey. Production Company: Halo Productions. Contact Information: orly@yadinproductions.com. Creative Commons license: Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder? Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, OCD, is an anxiety disorder and is characterized by recurrent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and/or repetitive behaviors (compulsions). Repetitive behaviors such as handwashing, counting, checking, or cleaning are often performed with the hope of preventing obsessive thoughts or making them go away. Performing these so-called "rituals," however, provides only temporary relief, and not performing them markedly increases anxiety. Signs & Symptoms People with OCD may be plagued by persistent, unwelcome thoughts or images, or by the urgent need to engage in certain rituals. They may be obsessed with germs or dirt, and wash their hands over and over. They may be filled with doubt and feel the need to check things repeatedly. Treatment Effective treatments for obsessive-compulsive disorder are available, and research is yielding new, improved therapies that can help most people with OCD and other anxiety disorders lead productive, fulfilling lives. Getting Help: Locate Services Locate mental health services in your area, affordable healthcare, NIMH clinical trials, and listings of professionals and organizations. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Information and Organizations from NLM's MedlinePlus (en Español) Some mental illnesses also carry an increased risk for suicide.