Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by two main features: obsessions and compulsions. Obsessions are unwanted and intrusive thoughts, images, and/or urges that create distress. These thoughts often feel alien or contrary to what a person values. Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental actions performed to relieve the distress caused by obsessions or that are meant to prevent a feared event. Common examples of OCD symptoms include repeated checking (such as ensuring doors are locked), excessive cleaning, repeating prayers or phrases, or mentally reviewing situations to seek certainty. For many people, OCD symptoms are confusing because they can mimic normal habits of carefulness or devotion, but the difference lies in the distress and/or interference that they cause in daily life and important areas of functioning. Without proper treatment, OCD can become worse over time. People may spend hours each day caught up in obsessions, compulsions, which leave them feeling drained and discouraged. Fortunately, OCD is treatable, especially with evidence-based approaches such as cognitive therapy for obsessive-compulsive disorder as well as ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention). Some people may also benefit from ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy). The goal of therapy is not to eliminate OCD-related thoughts entirely, but to change how people respond to them as well as breaking the cycle of obsessions and compulsions.
