Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health disorder in which a person experiences uncontrollable and recurring thoughts (obsessions) and engages in repetitive behaviors (compulsions) . The obsessions are unwanted and unpleasant thoughts, images, or urges that cause distressing emotions such as anxiety, fear, or disgust. Common obsessions include fear of germs or contamination, fear of forgetting, losing, or misplacing something, fear of losing control over ones behavior, aggressive thoughts toward others or oneself, and unwanted, forbidden, or taboo thoughts involving sex, religion, or harm. Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts that a person feels driven to perform in response to an obsession or according to strict rules. Common compulsions include excessive cleaning or hand-washing, repeatedly checking things, counting, arranging, and hoarding.

The cause of OCD is not fully understood, but it is believed to be a result of changes in the bodys own natural chemistry or brain functions, genetics, or 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 have also 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 includes medications, psychotherapy, or a combination of treatments. Medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants can help reduce the symptoms of OCD. Psychotherapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), can be an effective treatment for adults and children with OCD. CBT helps pe...