Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition that affects the brain and behavior. It causes people to have repeated, unwanted thoughts called obsessions and feel compelled to perform certain actions or rituals known as compulsions. These obsessions and compulsions can interfere with daily life, making it hard to focus on work, school, or relationships. The condition involves the nervous system, particularly areas of the brain that control decision-making and anxiety. People with OCD often feel distress or anxiety if they cannot complete their compulsive behaviors. The disorder can vary in severity and usually requires professional diagnosis and management.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic psychiatric disorder characterized by the presence of obsessions—intrusive, persistent, and distressing thoughts, urges, or images—and/or compulsions, which are repetitive behaviors or mental acts performed to reduce anxiety or prevent a feared event. The pathophysiology involves dysregulation of the cortico-striato-thalamo-cortical (CSTC) circuits, with abnormalities in the orbitofrontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, and basal ganglia. Genetic and environmental factors contribute to its development, with some cases linked to autoimmune or post-infectious mechanisms such as PANDAS. OCD significantly impairs functioning and quality of life due to the time-consuming nature of compulsions and the distress caused by obsessions. It is classified as an anxiety-related disorder and often coexists with other psychiatric conditions such as depression and tic disorders.