Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health disorder that affects people of all ages and walks of life. It is a condition in which people have recurring, unwanted thoughts, ideas, or sensations (obsessions) that make them feel driven to do something (compulsions) . OCD obsessions are repeated, persistent, and unwanted thoughts, urges, or images that are intrusive and cause distress or anxiety. The obsessions or compulsions cause distress or affect your participation in social activities, work responsibilities, or other life events. The symptoms aren’t caused by substances, alcohol, medications, or another medical condition. The symptoms aren’t explained by a different mental health condition, such as generalized anxiety disorder, eating disorder, or body image disorder.
Common obsessions include fear of germs or contamination, fear of forgetting, losing, or misplacing something, fear of losing control over one’s behavior, aggressive thoughts toward others or oneself, and unwanted, forbidden, or taboo thoughts involving sex, religion, or harm. Common compulsions in OCD include washing and cleaning, checking, repeating, and mental rituals related to numbers, such as counting, repeating, excessively preferring, or avoiding certain numbers.
The cause of OCD isnt fully understood, but main theories include biology, genetics, and learning. Brain imaging studies have shown that people with OCD often have differences in the frontal cortex and subcortical structures of the brain, areas of the brain that impact the ability to control behavior and emotional responses. Researchers also have found that several brain areas, brain networks, and biological processes play a key role in obsessive thoughts, compulsive behavior, and associated fear and anxiety.
Treatment for OCD may include anti-anxiety or antidepressant medicines, cognitive-behavioral therapy, or a combination of both. Patients with OCD who receive appropriate treatment commonly experience increased quality of life and improved functioning. Treatment may improve an individuals ability to function at school and work, develop and enjoy relationships, and pursue leisure activities.
