Obsession

The main concern of psychiatrists and therapists who treat people with obsessions is the role they play in a mental illness called obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Obsessions need to be distinguished from compulsions in order to understand how they interconnect with compulsive behavior and reinforce this debilitating illness.

In psychiatric literature, obsessions are defined as disruptive thoughts and impulses that cause the sufferer a great deal of distress. These thoughts can then lead to compulsive behavior, such as the ritualistic washing of hands, to relieve the anxiety that the obsessional thoughts create. The obsessions come first, then compulsive behavior follows. Obsessions often take the form of thoughts about becoming contaminated, engaging in unwanted sexual acts, about committing a violent act, or doubts about having performed an act, such as locking the door when leaving the house.