Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental disorder distinguished by obsessive unpleasant thoughts, fears (obsessions), and actions (compulsions) that aim to lower anxiety levels. Obsessions are unpleasant for patients - they realize their groundlessness and uselessness, but cannot control themselves.

The most widespread type of OCD is obsessive fear of filth (misophobia), which is accompanied by constant hand washing. The person realizes the groundlessness of fear, but disturbing thoughts force him or her to commit compulsive actions to get rid of them (the so-called ideal state after the ritual). The relief is temporary, then everything repeats.

Also, OCD, is manifested by the fear of getting hurt, hurting yourself or others, forgetting to close the door or turning off appliances, obscene obsessive thoughts. Sometimes the patient may be dominated by the obsessive component of the neurosis (obsessive disorder), sometimes compulsions (compulsive disorder).

There are several theories for the development of OCD:

- Genetic predisposition;

- Character traits (suspiciousness, tendency to doubt, recheck);

- Strict upbringing, prohibitions;

- Stressful situations that are associated with the subject of fear.

- Hereditary predisposition. Having a parent or relative with this disorder may potentially raise the risk of having OCD.

- Stressful events. If you've been through traumatic or stressful events, the risk of developing any mental disorder may increase.

- Other mental disorders. OCD often accompanies other mental disorders such as anxiety disorders, depression, substance abuse, or tics.

The diagnosis is made based on the psychological assessment that includes a discussion with a psychiatrist about the patient's thoughts, feelings, disorder manifestations, and actions. In some cases, a diagnostic interview is also conducted with the patient's family or friends.

Your physician may use the criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).

Physical examination is performed to order to exclude other conditions that may be the cause of the manifestations that have arisen, and to identify detect possible complications.

 Adequate cognitive-behavioral therapy helps to achieve a permanent cure for the disease. A psychotherapist will help you find the causes of the development of the disease and teach you how to get rid of OCD. In the process of psychotherapy, the psychotherapist discusses with the patient the reasons that provoke obsessions, discusses the compulsions that arise behind them and analyzes their effectiveness. The specialist discusses how to act differently, plays the situation of fear with the patient and records the result. Step by step, the patient learns to control unpleasant thoughts and respond to them with informed actions that do not cause irritation and fatigue.

In some cases, medications such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, sedatives, and others can be used.

If you find the symptoms of the disease in yourself or your family member, make sure to seek professional help and avoid coping with the disorder on your own. Mental disorders should be viewed as physical disorders – they can and should be treated.