Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) manifests as a pattern of unwanted and intrusive thoughts and fears (obsessions) that leads to repetitive behaviors (compulsions) in an effort to mitigate or “undo” the obsessive thoughts or fears—a cycle that repeats over and over which leads to a vicious cycle that is both distressing and exhausting. Obsessions tend to present as themes, such as fear of contamination, needing things to be arranged symmetrically, and difficulty tolerating uncertainty. Compulsions may present with similar themes, such as washing/cleaning, repeated checking, and counting in certain patterns or repeating certain words or phrases. The severity of OCD symptoms vary in severity throughout life but generally worsen with greater stress, can present as mild to moderate symptoms or become so time-consuming and severe that they are disabling.

Psychotherapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure and response prevention (ERP), and/or psychiatric medications can help control OCD symptoms and help patients with OCD achieve a higher quality of life.