Written by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examโขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Definition
This term refers to the act of repeatedly cleaning or scrubbing one's hands, often in a compulsive manner. It is a behavior commonly associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
A mental health condition characterized by recurring thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) that individuals feel driven to perform.
Unwanted and distressing thoughts that pop into one's mind without intention and can contribute to the development of anxiety-related disorders like OCD.