Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Definition

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterized by unwanted repetitive thoughts (obsessions) and actions (compulsions) that a person feels the need to perform over and over.

Scientific / Technical Definition

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is a chronic mental health condition that involves the presence of obsessions, which are intrusive and unwanted thoughts causing significant anxiety or distress, and compulsions, which are repetitive behaviors or mental acts that an individual feels driven to perform to neutralize or reduce anxiety, often temporarily. It involves disrupted functioning in circuits connecting the striatum, thalamus, and frontal cortex.

Benefits

• There are no direct health benefits of OCD, as it is considered a disorder rather than a condition with beneficial effects.

Examples

• Habitual hand-washing
• Checking if doors are locked multiple times
• Arranging items in a precise order

Additional Information

• Effects: OCD can cause significant distress and interfere with daily functioning. It may lead to severe anxiety and difficulty maintaining social relationships as well as workplace productivity.

Related Terms

• Eating Disorders
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

References

• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Fact Sheet
• Understanding Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder