What is obsessive-compulsive disorder? (Introduction)

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition in which a person has unwanted, repeated thoughts, images or urges (obsessions) and feels driven to do certain actions or mental rituals (compulsions) to ease the distress. It is a real medical condition, not a habit, a personality quirk or a weakness.

Obsessions

Intrusive thoughts that cause anxiety, such as fear of germs, doubts about locking the door, fear of harming someone, unwanted violent or sexual thoughts, or a need for things to be exact. People with OCD usually know the thoughts are excessive and do not want them.

Compulsions

Repeated behaviours or mental acts, such as washing, checking, counting, arranging, repeating words or praying a set number of times. They bring short relief but keep the cycle going.

How common is it

OCD affects about 1 to 3 in 100 people. It often starts in childhood, teens or early adulthood, and affects all genders.

Why it matters

OCD can take hours a day, harm school, work and relationships, and often occurs with anxiety or depression. The good news is that it is treatable. Therapy, medicines or both help most people.

Ayurvedic view

Ayurveda discusses mental disorders under Manovikara, linked to Rajas and Tamas and Vata imbalance. This is an interpretive framework and does not replace psychiatric care.

See a doctor if thoughts and rituals take more than an hour a day, cause distress, or interfere with life.

Help now: if you have thoughts of harming yourself, call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department. In India you can also call Tele-MANAS at 14416.

Remember

OCD is a treatable medical condition. Seeking help early gives the best results, and there is no shame in it.