Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterized by recurring, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions).
Signs & Symptoms
Obsessions: These are intrusive thoughts, images, or urges that cause significant anxiety or distress. Common obsessions include fears of contamination, fears of harming oneself or others, and concerns about orderliness or symmetry.
Compulsions: These are repetitive behaviors or mental acts that a person feels driven to perform in response to their obsessions. Compulsions are aimed at reducing the anxiety or preventing a feared outcome, but they are often excessive, irrational, and time-consuming. Examples include excessive hand washing, checking and rechecking, counting, and arranging objects in a specific order.
Treatment Options
Treatment for OCD typically involves a combination of therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) specifically designed for OCD (exposure and response prevention), and medication, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
