OCD

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a chronic disabling brain disorder, characterized by the presence of obsessions (recurrent, intrusive thoughts) and compulsions (repetitive behaviors or mental acts performed to reduce the distress caused by obsessions).

Key Features of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD):

Obsessions:
These are recurrent and persistent thoughts, urges, or images that are experienced as intrusive and unwanted. The individual may try to suppress or ignore these thoughts, but they can cause significant anxiety or distress. Common obsessions include fears of contamination, harming oneself or others, or fears related to symmetry or order.

Compulsions:
These are repetitive behaviors (e.g., washing, checking, repeating actions) or mental acts (e.g., counting, praying, mentally "undoing" thoughts) that the individual feels driven to perform in response to an obsession. The goal is often to reduce the anxiety caused by the obsession or prevent a feared event or situation from occurring
OCD symptoms lead to interference with normal daily life, distress and dysfunction. It is  time-consuming or significantly impair the individual’s ability to function in various areas of life, such as work, social interactions, and personal relationships.

Common types of Obsessions and Compulsions:

Obsessions:

Fear of contamination or germs.

Fear of harming oneself or others.

Fears about order and symmetry (things needing to be "just right").

Intrusive blasphemous or aggressive thoughts.

Fear of making mistakes.

Compulsions:

Washing or cleaning excessively to avoid contamination.

Checking (e.g., checking locks, stoves, or safety equipment repeatedly).

Repetitive actions (e.g., touching things, counting, or repeating specific phrases).

Mental rituals, such as counting or mentally praying to neutralize bad thoughts.