Obsessive–compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) involves the presence of obsessions (intrusive thoughts) and/or compulsions (repetitive behaviors) that cause distress or impairment. Etiology includes genetic vulnerability, dysfunction in cortico-striato-thalamo-cortical circuits, and environmental stressors. Clinically, patients present with time-consuming rituals, intrusive thoughts, and functional impairment in social, occupational, or academic domains. Diagnosis is clinical, based on DSM-5 criteria, and requires exclusion of other psychiatric or medical conditions. Management involves cognitive-behavioral therapy (exposure and response prevention) and pharmacotherapy, primarily SSRIs.