Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a diagnosis in the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), for individuals who experience recurrent obsessions or compulsions. Obsessions are intrusive, repetitive, and persistent doubts, thoughts, images, or impulses, which an individual often experiences to be repugnant, unwanted, or distressing. Common obsessions include doubts about whether home appliances have been left on and thoughts about contracting an illness due to contamination. Compulsions are mental responses, behaviors, or rituals that are performed to prevent such fears or to alleviate distress. For example, individuals may check, wash, or pray excessively to feel reassured that they have prevented danger to others or self.