What characterizes an obsession in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?

An obsession in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is characterized by recurrent thoughts, feelings, or ideas that are intrusive and unwanted, causing significant anxiety or distress. These obsessions are not merely excessive worries about real-life problems; they are typically recognized by the individual as irrational, yet the person feels compelled to engage with them, which further exacerbates their anxiety.

This characteristic is central to the diagnostic criteria for OCD and distinguishes obsessions from compulsions, which are the repetitive behaviors performed in response to the obsessions, typically aimed at reducing the anxiety caused by those intrusive thoughts. The presence of these recurrent and unwanted thoughts is a hallmark feature of OCD, making this definition a critical component in understanding the disorder.