Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder, also known as OCD, causes unwanted thoughts and feelings, and repetitive actions that you can't control. It's a serious medical condition that often requires professional care. The good news is, there are treatments that can help.
When people think of OCD, a certain image may come to mind. They may envision a spotless home, with everything in its designated place. Someone who is overly clean and organized. However, that’s not always the case.
Everyone experiences the occasional obsession and compulsion. You may double-check that your curling iron is unplugged or that you’ve locked the door. For people with OCD, these habits are much stronger and can take up hours, making it hard to get through the day.
What is obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?
OCD is a serious mental health condition that can make daily life difficult. People with OCD often have unwanted thoughts or feelings, called obsessions, which lead them to repeat certain actions, known as compulsions.
- Obsessions are unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that repeat and cause anxiety. They can include fears of germs, harming others, making mistakes, or believing something bad will happen if things aren’t done in a certain way.
- Compulsions are actions or mental rituals done to reduce anxiety or stop a feared event. These can include repeatedly washing your hands, checking locks, tapping or counting, or silently repeating words.
Managing OCD symptoms
Even if someone realizes their OCD fears and habits do not make sense, it can still feel impossible to stop. This ongoing cycle can take up a lot of time and energy and affect work, school, relationships, and health.
OCD symptoms often begin in childhood, the teen years, or early adulthood. There is no cure for ODC, but with the proper support, professional therapy or medication, many people can manage their symptoms and improve their lives. Talking with a mental health professional is the first step to feeling better.
Want to learn more about obsessive-compulsive disorder?
Online resources
- International OCD Foundation (IOCDF): The mission of the IOCDF is to educate people about OCD, provide support for those affected by OCD, and to research causes and treatments for the illness. Some features of the website include information on OCD in various populations and tools to help you find treatments and support groups in your area.
- Eisenberg Family Depression Center Toolkit: The Depression Center Toolkit provides information, tools, support, and resources to guide you through your mental health journey.
- Overcoming OCD: The College Student’s Guide: Information and resources for college students dealing with obsessive compulsive disorder.
Recommended reading
Freedom from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder by Jonathan Grayson, 2014. Provides Dr. Jonathan Grayson’s revolutionary and compassionate program for finally breaking the cycle of overwhelming fear and endless rituals
Obsessed: A Memoir of My Life with OCD by Allison Britz, 2017. A brave teen recounts her debilitating struggle with obsessive-compulsive disorder—and brings readers through every painful step as she finds her way to the other side—in this powerful and inspiring memoir.
The OCD Workbook: Your Guide to Breaking Free From Obsessive Compulsive Disorder by Bruce Hyman, 2005. The authors guide readers through a self-directed program for OCD that provides techniques for change based on actively confronting fears and changing thought patterns.
The Imp of the Mind by Lee Baer, 2001. Dr. Lee Baer explores all aspects of obsessive bad thoughts, including root causes and possible treatments.
The Thought That Counts: A Firsthand Account of One Teenager’s Experience with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder by Jared Douglas, 2008. Author Jared K. Douglas shares his experiences of living with OCD and offers some helpful suggestions for managing the disorder in different areas of life.
Finding treatment
To explore mental health treatment and support options, visit our treatment services or support resource sections.