Overview
A disorder characterised by intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours or mental acts (compulsions) performed to reduce distress.
Diagnostic criteria overview
- Criterion a: presence of obsessions, compulsions, or both
- Criterion b: obsessions or compulsions are time-consuming or cause significant distress
- Criterion c: not attributable to substances or medical conditions
- Criterion d: not better explained by another disorder
Symptoms
- Obsessions: recurrent, intrusive, and unwanted thoughts, urges, or images
- Compulsions: repetitive behaviours or mental acts performed to reduce anxiety
- Rigid adherence to routines
- Distress if rituals are interrupted
Impact on functioning
- Prolonged routines affecting morning and bedtime schedules
- Repeated checking or counting delaying task completion
- Distress when routines are interrupted
- Family members adjusting routines to accommodate symptoms
- Difficulty concentrating due to intrusive thoughts