Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a common mental disorder made of two interconnected components: obsessions, which are recurrent, unwanted intrusive thoughts, images, or urges that cause intense anxiety and distress; and compulsions, which are repetitive behaviors or mental rituals a person performs in an attempt to relieve the anxiety caused by the obsessions or to prevent something they fear.

For example, an obsession may be an exaggerated fear of contamination and germs, followed by a compulsion of repetitive, excessive handwashing. Or an obsession of doubt followed by repeatedly checking locks and appliances. The patient often realizes these thoughts and acts are excessive but feels great difficulty resisting them, so they consume much of their day and impair their life, work, and relationships.

It is important to distinguish OCD as a medical disorder from ordinary precision or love of order; the disorder goes beyond that to cause real suffering. The reassuring news is that it is among the most treatable mental disorders: cognitive behavioral therapy, specifically exposure and response prevention, is very effective, and certain antidepressant medications (serotonin reuptake inhibitors) help reduce symptoms. Early detection and seeking help greatly improve outcomes.

• Obsessions: intrusive thoughts about contamination, doubt, harm, or order.
• Compulsions: repeated washing, checking, counting, ordering, mental rituals.
• Consuming much time and intense distress when the acts are prevented.
• The patient often realizes the symptoms are excessive.

• Biological factors and imbalance in brain circuits and serotonin.
• Genetic predisposition and family history.
• Environmental factors and stress that may trigger symptoms.

• Clinical psychiatric assessment based on the pattern of obsessions and compulsions and their impact.
• Ruling out other disorders that may resemble it.

Cognitive behavioral therapy

• Exposure and response prevention, the most effective approach to break the obsession-compulsion cycle.

Medication

• Serotonin reuptake inhibitors reduce symptoms and need several weeks for full effect.

This content is educational and does not replace consulting a psychiatrist; medications are monitored under medical supervision.

• Severe impact on time, work, and relationships.
• Accompanying anxiety and depression.
• Skin problems from excessive washing, for example.

• There is no proven prevention, but early treatment prevents worsening.
• Managing stress and adhering to treatment.
• Family support and understanding the nature of the disorder.