Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by intrusive, unwanted obsessions (thoughts, images, urges) and/or repetitive compulsive behaviors (washing, checking, counting, ordering) performed to reduce anxiety, causing marked distress and functional impairment. Insight is usually preserved. Common themes: contamination, harm, symmetry, taboo thoughts. Treatment: cognitive-behavioral therapy with exposure and response prevention (ERP), and SSRIs at higher doses; clomipramine; refractory cases may consider deep-brain stimulation.

Common Symptoms

Intrusive unwanted obsessions; repetitive compulsive rituals; anxiety reduced only by rituals; time-consuming; functional impairment

Causes and Pathogenesis

Genetic/neurobiological (cortico-striatal-thalamic circuit) dysfunction plus learning produces intrusive thoughts and compensatory rituals.

Treatment

CBT with exposure and response prevention; SSRIs (high dose); clomipramine; DBS in refractory cases

Preventive Measures

Early CBT; stress management; family understanding; avoid reinforcing rituals.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Psychiatry department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.