A guide to understanding
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Knowledge is one of the most powerful tools we have to support mental well-being. Whether you’re here to understand your own experiences, support someone else or simply learn more, you’ll find clear information on conditions, symptoms, treatment and more. These resources can be a useful starting point.
About OCD
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by repetitive intrusive thoughts, called obsessions, and excessive, irrational urges to do certain actions, called compulsions. People who have OCD often know their thoughts and behaviors don’t make sense, but they can’t stop them.
OCD symptoms usually start in childhood, adolescence or young adulthood. Males usually develop symptoms at a younger age than females. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), just over 1% of adults in the United States experience OCD.
Information adapted from NAMI and Mental Health America.
What does OCD look like?
OCD is categorized by obsessions and compulsions.
Anyone can have occasional obsessive thoughts or compulsive behaviors. However, people with OCD experience these symptoms frequently—for more than an hour each day—and they interfere with their daily life.
NAMI defines obsessions as intrusive, irrational thoughts or impulses that occur repeatedly. People with these disorders know these thoughts are irrational but are still afraid they might be true. These thoughts and impulses are upsetting, and people may try to ignore or suppress them.
Examples of obsessions include:
- Thoughts about harming or having harmed someone
- Doubts about if they did something important, like turning off the stove or locking a door
NAMI defines compulsions as repetitive acts that temporarily relieve the stress brought on by an obsession. People with these disorders know that these rituals don’t make sense but feel they must perform them to relieve the anxiety and, in some cases, to prevent something bad from happening. Like obsessions, people may try not to perform compulsive acts but feel forced to do so to relieve anxiety.
Examples of compulsions include:
- Counting and recounting money because they can’t be sure they added correctly
- Checking to see if a door is locked or the stove is off
- “Mental checking” that goes with intrusive thoughts is also a form of compulsion
In some cases of OCD, a person may only experience obsessions or compulsions, not both.
What causes OCD?
OCD is believed to have a strong biological component. It was once attributed to learned attitudes in childhood, but updated research suggests OCD is related to problems in the brain’s response to serotonin and in communication between parts of the brain.
Genetics are also a key factor in OCD, especially in immediate families. There is about a 25% chance a person will have OCD if a parent or sibling does.
How do I know if I have OCD?
If you experience obsessions and/or compulsions that impede your work, relationships or everyday life, reach out to your doctor. They can determine your diagnosis and help you get connected to treatment options.
How is OCD treated?
OCD is most commonly treated through a combination of antidepressant medication and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
Exposure response therapy (ERT) can also be beneficial for people with OCD, as it helps a person learn to tolerate the anxiety associated with obsessive thoughts.