Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Also known as: OCD
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic mental health condition characterized by recurring, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) performed to reduce anxiety. OCD can be severely debilitating, consuming hours of a person's day and significantly impairing work, relationships, and quality of life. It affects approximately 2–3% of the population and typically emerges in childhood, adolescence, or early adulthood.
Symptoms
Causes
- Imbalances in serotonin and other neurotransmitters
- Abnormal activity in the orbitofrontal cortex, anterior cingulate, and basal ganglia
- Genetic predisposition (higher concordance in identical twins)
- Environmental factors including childhood trauma or infection (PANDAS)
Risk Factors
- Family history of OCD or other anxiety disorders
- Stressful or traumatic life events
- Other mental health disorders (anxiety, depression, tic disorders)
- Childhood onset of tics or streptococcal infection (PANDAS)
- Perfectionist personality traits
Diagnosis
- Clinical interview using DSM-5 criteria
- Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) for severity assessment
- Screening for co-occurring conditions (depression, anxiety, tics)
- Ruling out medical causes (thyroid disorders, neurological conditions)
Treatment
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy with Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) — fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, sertraline (often at higher doses than for depression)
- Clomipramine (tricyclic antidepressant) for treatment-resistant OCD
- Combination of ERP therapy and medication for optimal outcomes
- Deep brain stimulation or transcranial magnetic stimulation for severe refractory cases
Prevention
- No known prevention, but early identification and treatment improve outcomes
- Stress management and healthy coping strategies may reduce severity
- Education about OCD to reduce stigma and encourage early help-seeking
When to See a Doctor
- Obsessions or compulsions consuming more than an hour per day
- Rituals significantly interfering with work, school, or relationships
- Increasing distress or inability to resist compulsive behaviors
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Conditions
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