Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

What Is OCD?

OCD is a brain and behavioral disorder characterized by intrusive, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions). These behaviors are often performed to reduce anxiety, fear, doubt, or disgust. OCD can significantly interfere with daily life and well-being.

What Are Obsessions?

Obsessions are intrusive and unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that repeatedly enter the mind, often causing anxiety or disgust. These thoughts are difficult to control and may feel distressing.

Common Obsessions:

  • Contamination (fear of germs or illness)

  • Losing control (fear of acting on an impulse)

  • Harm (fear of causing harm to oneself or others)

  • Perfectionism (fear of making mistakes or things being out of order)

  • Unwanted sexual thoughts

  • Religious obsessions (Scrupulosity)

  • Other specific or generalized obsessions

What Are Compulsions?

Compulsions are repetitive physical or mental actions performed to try to alleviate the anxiety or disgust caused by obsessions. While compulsions may offer temporary relief, they do not address the underlying issue and often interfere with daily life, relationships, and routines.

Common Compulsions:

  • Washing and cleaning (excessive handwashing, cleaning surfaces)

  • Repeating (repeating actions or words)

  • Checking (repeatedly checking locks, appliances, etc.)

  • Mental compulsions (invisible actions like counting, reviewing, or list-making)

  • Avoidance (avoiding people, places, or objects that trigger obsessions)

Example:
Someone with Relationship OCD might experience intrusive thoughts about whether their partner is the "right one" (obsession) and repeatedly seek reassurance from others (compulsion).

Why is OCD Considered a Disorder?

OCD is classified as a disorder because the obsessions and compulsions typically consume at least one hour of a person’s day and significantly impact their ability to function. People with OCD may struggle with sleep, leisure activities, work, or relationships due to the time-consuming and distressing nature of their symptoms.

Prevalence of OCD

OCD is more common than many realize and affects clients across all demographics.

  • 1 in 100 adults in the U.S. are diagnosed with OCD.

  • OCD impacts men and women equally.

  • 50% of people with OCD receive treatment at some point.

  • The average age of onset is 19, with 25% of cases emerging by age 14.

  • One-third of adults with OCD first experienced symptoms during childhood.

  • On average, it takes 14-17 years from the onset of symptoms to receiving effective treatment.

  • OCD is often a lifelong condition, with symptoms fluctuating in intensity over time.

(Sources: NIMH, IOCDF)

How OCD Impacts Daily Life

People living with OCD may experience disruptions in sleep, trouble engaging in leisure activities, and difficulties at work or in relationships. Obsessions and compulsions take up a significant amount of time and can prevent clients from living fully.