Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health disorder that affects people of all ages and walks of life. It is characterized by a pattern of unwanted thoughts and fears (obsessions) that lead to repetitive behaviors (compulsions) . Obsessions are typically accompanied by intense and uncomfortable feelings such as fear, disgust, uncertainty, and doubt, or a feeling that things have to be done in a way that is “just right” . 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. Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts that are meant to reduce anxiety. They can include things like excessive hand washing, counting, checking, or arranging objects in a specific way.
It is important to note that not all repetitive behaviors are compulsions, and not all obsessive thoughts are symptoms of OCD. OCD thoughts and compulsions are not simply excessive worries about real problems in your life or liking to have things clean or arranged in a specific way. If your obsessions and compulsions are affecting your quality of life, it is recommended to see a doctor or mental health professional.
The exact cause of OCD is not fully understood, but it is thought 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. OCD can be distressing and significantly interfere with daily life, but treatment can be effective.
