Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder involves intrusive, distressing thoughts, urges or images called obsessions. These thoughts/urges/images often can't be relieved unless a specific action, known as a compulsion, is performed. Compulsions are behaviors or mental acts that one engages in to temporarily ease the distress caused by the obsessions but usually lead to a cycle of repetitive behaviors. OCD can come in many shapes and forms, but the underlying mechanisms are the same.