Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterized by persistent and intrusive thoughts, known as obsessions, and repetitive behaviors, known as compulsions. These obsessions and compulsions often interfere with an individual’s daily life and can cause significant distress and anxiety. OCD affects people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds and is estimated to affect approximately 2-3% of the global population.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is an anxiety disorder in which people have unwanted and repeated thoughts, feelings, ideas, sensations (obsessions), or behaviors that make them feel driven to do something (compulsions).

OCD is characterized by recurrent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and/or repetitive behaviors (compulsions). Repetitive behaviors such as hand washing, counting, checking, or cleaning are often performed with the hope of preventing obsessive thoughts or making them go away. OCD treatment typically involves exposure to the feared situation as well as the feared thoughts or behavioral patterns. The treatment typically involves a combination of time-out, medication, and behavioral therapy.

Performing these so-called “rituals,” however, provides only temporary relief, and not performing them markedly increases anxiety. Often the person carries out the behaviors to get rid of the obsessive thoughts, but this only provides temporary relief. Not performing obsessive rituals can cause great anxiety.