What is a primary diagnostic criterion for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?

The primary diagnostic criterion for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is the presence of either obsessions or compulsions. In OCD, obsessions are recurrent and persistent thoughts, images, or urges that are experienced as intrusive and unwanted, often leading to significant anxiety or distress. Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts that the individual feels driven to perform in response to the obsession or according to rules that must be applied rigidly.

For a diagnosis of OCD, it is sufficient for a patient to have either obsessions or compulsions. This highlights the nature of the disorder, which can manifest in various ways. Patients may have predominant obsessive thoughts without compulsions or may primarily engage in compulsive behaviors in the absence of significant obsessive thoughts. Thus, the presence of either of these elements is fundamental to diagnosing OCD.

While symptoms do generally need to last for a significant duration (often at least 6 months) to meet the full diagnostic criteria, this is not the primary distinguishing feature of the disorder and is often considered within the broader framework of the diagnostic criteria rather than a standalone criterion. Similarly, resolution of symptoms may not require hospitalization, as many individuals can manage their OCD with outpatient treatment. Lastly, while many patients may recognize their obs