What are obsessions in the context of OCD?

Obsessions in the context of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) refer specifically to intrusive thoughts, images, or urges that individuals find distressing and that cause significant anxiety or discomfort. These obsessions are unwanted and can lead to elaborate rituals or compulsive behaviors as a way for individuals to try to manage or mitigate the anxiety they experience.

The nature of obsessions is that they are often recurrent and persistent, making it difficult for individuals to dismiss them or push them aside. This can create a cycle where the presence of these intrusive thoughts drives individuals to engage in compulsive actions to relieve the associated anxiety or prevent a feared event from occurring. Understanding this defines the essence of obsessions in OCD, emphasizing the mental and emotional struggle rather than physical actions or behaviors.

In contrast, physical habits related to cleanliness, routine behaviors, and social interactions don't accurately capture the core concept of obsessions, as these can be aspects of compulsions or general behaviors but do not define the intrusive, anxiety-provoking nature of obsessions themselves.