Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental disorder characterized by recurring unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions). These obsessions create anxiety in individuals, leading them to engage in compulsive behaviors as an attempt to reduce anxiety.
In OCD, obsessions refer to intrusive thoughts, images, or urges that cause distress and anxiety. They are the scary things the OCD monster tells you in your brain.
Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts that individuals with OCD perform to reduce anxiety caused by obsessions. These can be physical actions like hand washing or mental rituals like counting silently.
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP): ERP is a specific type of cognitive-behavioral therapy used to treat OCD. It involves gradually exposing individuals to their feared obsessions while preventing them from engaging in compulsive behaviors, helping them learn that their anxiety decreases over time without performing rituals.