What Is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterized by persistent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental rituals (compulsions) that a person feels driven to perform. These obsessions often involve fears or anxieties such as worries about contamination, harm, or symmetry that cause significant distress. To manage this discomfort, individuals with OCD engage in compulsions like excessive handwashing, checking, counting, or repeating specific actions. While these rituals may provide temporary relief, they often reinforce the cycle and make the symptoms more persistent over time.
OCD can interfere with daily life, relationships, and routines, and it's not simply about being overly tidy or cautious. The condition is rooted in how the brain processes fear and uncertainty, making it difficult for individuals to dismiss irrational thoughts or resist compulsive behaviors, even when they recognize them as excessive. OCD varies in severity, and symptoms can wax and wane over time. Effective treatment typically involves a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy especially Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and professional support to help individuals manage symptoms and regain control over their daily functioning.
