Repetitive thoughts, rituals, and urges can greatly interfere with daily life and emotional balance. People often experience overwhelming anxiety and distress when unable to control these patterns. Common symptoms of OCD include persistent intrusive thoughts, compulsive cleaning, excessive checking, fear of contamination, and constant need for reassurance. These behaviors aim to reduce anxiety but often intensify it over time. Mental health care focuses on cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure and response prevention (ERP), and medication to manage symptoms.
