Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
OCD is characterized by unwanted intrusive thoughts, images, urges, or doubts and the repetitive behaviors or mental rituals used to reduce distress. While these strategies may provide temporary relief, they often strengthen the cycle over time.
Quick Facts
- OCD involves obsessions, compulsions, or both.
- Intrusive thoughts are common and do not define a person’s character or intentions.
- Compulsions may be visible behaviors or internal mental rituals.
- Evidence-based treatments such as ERP and CBT are highly effective.
Understanding OCD
Explore the key concepts that help explain how OCD develops and persists.
Obsessions
Learn about intrusive thoughts, images, urges, and doubts that create distress and uncertainty.
Compulsions
Understand repetitive behaviors and rituals used to reduce anxiety and seek certainty.
The OCD Cycle
See how obsessions, anxiety, compulsions, and temporary relief reinforce one another.
Intolerance of Uncertainty
Explore why uncertainty can feel especially difficult and how attempts to eliminate doubt may strengthen OCD.
Reassurance Seeking
Learn how repeatedly seeking certainty from others can unintentionally maintain OCD symptoms.
Mental Compulsions
Understand internal rituals such as reviewing memories, checking thoughts, and mental reassurance.
Continue Exploring
Learn more about OCD and the evidence-based approaches commonly used to treat it.