Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Symptoms, Causes & Evidence-Based Treatment

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) affects about 1-3% of the general population and is characterized by persistent, intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors that cause significant distress . The disorder typically begins in childhood or adolescence and can severely impair quality of life if untreated . OCD symptoms are diverse, often involving multiple symptom dimensions such as contamination fears, checking behaviors, and intrusive taboo thoughts . Effective treatment combining psychotherapy and medication can lead to significant symptom reduction for many patients .