Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is characterized by recurrent, intrusive thoughts, urges, or images (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) that are performed to reduce distress or prevent a feared outcome. These symptoms cause significant anxiety, time consumption, or functional impairment. Common themes include contamination, harm, symmetry, religious or moral scrupulosity, and unwanted sexual or aggressive thoughts. The central treatment goal is to help clients reduce compulsive behaviors, modify maladaptive beliefs about threat and responsibility, and tolerate uncertainty through exposure and cognitive restructuring.
