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Obsessed

Imagine being so worried about germs that you feel compelled to wash your hands dozens of times a day, or so concerned about giving the correct change that you count the coins over and over before you give them to the cashier. That is the sort of thing that happens to those who suffer from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), an illness that afflicts almost five million Americans.

CBS News 48 Hours takes a look at this strange malady. You'll meet men and women who must battle their obsession every minute of every day. "Imagine yourself having some kind of feeling that comes over you," says one sufferer. "Just imagine the feeling's overwhelming, makes you panicked; you're just terrified."

Among the unforgettable people you'll meet on this week's show:

Howie Mandel: the comedian and talk show host who has been fighting a fear of germs all his life. As host of a daily talk show, he is forced to greet strangers all the time. This creates problems, especially when the guests have just been sick, as happened recently when actress Carmen Electra appeared on the show. (Howie decided to forego the usual host-guest kiss.) Howie deals with his obsession without psychological help. He has a special guest house in his backyard, to which he repairs when his wife or children are sick. But Howie says he is content: "I couldn't be happier. I'm probably the most happy neurotic person in the world."

Jeremy Lyons, a 16-year-old tenth grader from Milwaukee who is so terrified of germs that he takes three-hour showers. In December, he enrolled at Rogers Memorial Hospital, which has a specialized program to treat OCD. His treatments include drugs as well as behavior therapy to "immunize" him to the situations he fears most. Slowly, Jeremy gets better.

Mary Ellen Fridl, a 59-year-old widow and grandmother who has at least 125 obsessions. Among her many demons: contamination obsessions, washing compulsions, religious obsessions, and fear that she hasn't given the correct cha

BetaSeries' opinion
Dive into the Thrilling World of C.I.D.: A Must-Watch Series for Crime Drama Lovers

**Dive into the Thrilling World of C.I.D.: A Must-Watch Series for Crime Drama Lovers**

In the realm of Indian television, few shows have made as significant an impact as **C.I.D.**, which stands for Crime Investigation Department. Premiering on January 21, 1998, on Sony Entertainment Television, this groundbreaking series changed the landscape of crime dramas in India. With its unique storytelling and engaging characters, it has become a cult classic that continues to capture the hearts of viewers even after more than two decades.

At its core, **C.I.D.** revolves around an elite team of police officers led by the formidable ACP Pradyuman, portrayed masterfully by Shivaji Satam. This show takes viewers through gripping criminal investigations set against the bustling backdrop of Mumbai. Each episode presents hard-core police procedural stories filled with twists and turns that keep audiences guessing until the very end. The compelling narratives are interwoven with personal challenges faced by each character, adding depth to their roles while maintaining a fast-paced and thrilling atmosphere.

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