Which mental health disorder is characterized by repeated, unwanted thoughts and compulsive behaviors?

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is defined by the presence of obsessions, which are repetitive and unwanted thoughts, and compulsions, which are behaviors that individuals feel driven to perform in response to those thoughts. These obsessions can create significant anxiety and distress, leading the individual to engage in compulsive behaviors as a way to manage or mitigate those feelings.

For instance, a person with OCD may have intrusive thoughts about contamination, leading them to compulsively wash their hands or clean objects excessively. This cyclical nature of obsessions and compulsions is a hallmark of OCD, distinguishing it from other mental health disorders.

In contrast, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), while it can involve intrusive memories and anxiety, is primarily associated with symptoms following a traumatic event rather than the compulsive behaviors seen in OCD. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is characterized by excessive worry about various aspects of life and does not typically feature the specific obsessions and compulsions of OCD. Body Dysmorphic Disorder primarily involves a preoccupation with perceived flaws in one’s appearance, which does not include the broader framework of obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors as seen in OCD.

Thus, the specific combination of intrusive thoughts and compulsive