Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
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Obsessive-compulsive disorder is characterized by recurring obsessive thoughts and/or compulsive behaviors that are experienced as distressing and significantly interfere with daily life.

Obsessive Thoughts
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Recurring, intrusive thoughts, impulses, or images, e.g.:
 

• Fear of contamination or infection

• Doubts (“Did I lock the door?”)

• Aggressive or inappropriate thoughts

• A strong need for order or symmetry

Compulsive behaviors
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Repetitive actions or rituals performed to reduce anxiety or tension, e.g.:
 

• Checking

• Washing or cleaning

• Organizing or counting

• Repeating certain actions

Those affected usually perceive the compulsions as excessive or nonsensical, but find it difficult to control them.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is classified under ICD-10 code F42
 

Prevalence
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Obsessive-compulsive disorder is less common than depression or anxiety disorders. According to the S-3 guidelines, the lifetime prevalence is approximately 1–3% of the population.

Treatment

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is based on the assumption that obsessive-compulsive symptoms are maintained by the interaction of distressing thoughts, feelings, and behavioral patterns. Avoidance and control behaviors, in particular, contribute to the persistence of anxiety over the long term.

Treatment goals:
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• Recognize and reevaluate obsessive thoughts

• Improve coping with anxiety and uncertainty

• Reduce compulsive behaviors and avoidance behaviors

• Gradually confront stressful situations (exposure)

• Learn to refrain from rituals (response prevention)

• Strengthen self-control and confidence in action

• Relapse prevention