F40-F48: Neurotic, stress-related and somatoform disorders

F42: Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Obsessive-compulsive disorder, also known as OCD, is a mental health condition characterized by recurring, uncontrollable thoughts, and behaviors that an individual feels compelled to perform. These thoughts and actions, termed obsessions and compulsions, can significantly interfere with a person's daily activities and social interactions. Obsessions often produce a high level of anxiety and can cover a variety of topics like fear of germs or need for symmetry. Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or rituals, such as hand washing, checking things, or cleaning, performed in an attempt to alleviate the stress caused by obsessions. Unlike common habits, these activities are excessive and not logically related to the problem they are intended to address. While the exact cause of OCD is not known, it is believed to develop from a combination of genetic, neurological, behavioral, and environmental factors. OCD, which can start in childhood or adolescence, can progressively dominate a person's life if left untreated.