What exactly is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and how is it different from pop culture representations of it?

Question

What exactly is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and how is it different from pop culture representations of it?

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Answer 1

OCD is an anxiety spectrum disorder. The obsession is whatever the individual is anxious about. The compulsion is the behavior that relieves (very temporarily) the anxiety.

For instance, a mother might have an anxiety that she is going to accidentally burn her baby with bath water that is too hot. First she checks it repeatedly. Then she gets someone else to check it, repeatedly. Then she uses a thermometer. Then she buys a laboratory grade thermometer. Then she has to get a special calibrated laboratory thermometer. Eventually she cannot be convinced that the water temperature is safe and insists on using cold water, but checks it multiple times.

It becomes an issue when it interferes with a person being able to function and do normal activities.