What is obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a psychiatric disorder characterised by obsessions and compulsions. Obsessions are persistent, "self generated" thoughts that cause you distress.

However, compulsions are not inherently enjoyable and do not result in the completion of a useful task. Compulsions are repetitive acts you may perform in an attempt to reduce the distress.

OCD is an anxiety disorder, a category that includes post-traumatic stress disorder, social anxiety disorder (social phobia) and panic disorder.
OCD should not be confused with obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD).

Despite its name, OCPD does not involve obsessions and compulsions. It is a personality pattern that involves being preoccupied with order, and traits such as perfectionism and inflexibility. Only a few people with OCD have OCPD.

Reviewed by Dr Stefanie van Vuuren, MBChB (Stell), M Med (Psig) (Stell), FC (Psych) SA, Psychiatrist in private practice, Durbanville Cape Town, February 2015.

Previously reviewed by Christine Lochner, Coordinator: Genetics and Anxiety Disorders Research, MRC Unit on Anxiety Disorders.