Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is an anxiety-related condition characterized by recurring, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) that a person feels driven to perform. The compulsions serve to ease the distress caused by the obsessions, though relief is typically temporary.
Key Points:
- Common Obsessions: Fear of contamination/germs, unwanted aggressive or sexual thoughts, a need for symmetry or exactness.
- Typical Compulsions: Excessive cleaning, checking (e.g., locks, appliances), counting, ordering/arranging items, mental rituals (e.g., silent prayers).
- Functional Impact: Can be significantly impairing—people may spend hours performing compulsive rituals.
- Treatment: Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), a specialized form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT); SSRI medication; sometimes adjunctive therapies like mindfulness.
