Obsessions: These are intrusive and unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that cause significant anxiety or distress. Common obsessions include fears of contamination, fears of harming oneself or others, fears of making a mistake, or fears of unwanted sexual thoughts.

Compulsions: In an attempt to reduce the anxiety caused by obsessions or to prevent a feared event, individuals with OCD engage in repetitive behaviors or mental acts. These can include washing, checking, counting, repeating words silently, or other rituals. Despite the temporary relief these compulsions may provide, the anxiety returns, and the cycle continues.

Key features of OCD:

1. Time-consuming: The obsessions and compulsions often consume a significant amount of time, interfering with daily activities and functioning.
2. Interference with daily life: OCD can significantly interfere with work, school, and relationships.
3. Difficulty in control: Individuals with OCD may find it challenging to control or stop the obsessions and compulsions.
4. Insight: Many individuals with OCD are aware that their obsessions are not based in reality, but they feel driven to perform the compulsive behaviors to alleviate their anxiety.

Causes of OCD:

The exact cause of OCD is unknown, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic, neurological, behavioral, cognitive, and environmental factors. Imbalances in neurotransmitters, particularly serotonin, may play a role.

Treatment options:

1. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Specifically, a form of CBT called Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is often considered the most effective treatment for OCD. ERP involves exposing individuals to the thoughts, images, and situations that make them anxious and preventing the accompanying compulsion.
2. Medication: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly prescribed to help regulate serotonin levels in the brain.
3. Combination therapy: A combination of medication and therapy is often effective for many individuals.

It's important for individuals experiencing symptoms of OCD to seek professional help. A mental health professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, can provide a comprehensive evaluation and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.