Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a mental health condition where obsessive thoughts and/or compulsive behaviors are prominent, varying in intensity.

Obsessive thoughts are uncontrollable, recurring concerns. Typically, these concerns involve preventing possible dangers, such as "Did I turn off the iron, lock the front door?"

Compulsive behaviors go a step further, where the feared harm is attempted to be prevented through ritualized actions. These rituals can last for hours and severely restrict daily life.

Common disorders include: washing compulsion, cleaning compulsion, checking compulsion, counting compulsion, and repeating compulsion.

Those affected are aware that the thoughts and/or actions are exaggerated and unreasonable, but the urge to think/do them is uncontrollable. In fact, suppressing them only strengthens the urge.