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Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterized by intrusive, distressing thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental rituals (compulsions) performed to reduce anxiety. These compulsions can provide temporary relief but often reinforce the cycle of OCD.
Common obsessions include fears of contamination, fear of causing harm, fear of being a bad person, or losing control, while compulsions may involve excessive checking, mental rituals, or seeking reassurance.
The OCD cycle starts with an intrusive thought (obsession) that sparks anxiety or distress. To relieve the discomfort, a person engages in a compulsion—a repetitive action or mental ritual. This provides temporary relief, but it reinforces the idea that the obsession was a real threat, making future anxiety even stronger. Over time, the cycle repeats, keeping OCD in control. Breaking this cycle with Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) helps weaken OCD’s grip by teaching the brain that anxiety passes without needing compulsions.
Effective treatment often includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), particularly Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), which helps individuals confront fears and resist compulsions in a controlled way.
