Understanding Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and its diagnosis

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is characterized by intrusive, unwanted thoughts, images, or impulses, often accompanied by compulsions or mental acts performed to alleviate distress. Symptoms can manifest in various ways, such as excessive handwashing due to fear of contamination, repetitive checking of locks or faucets, or ritualistic counting and praying.

According to psychiatrist Raíza Alves Pereira of Holiste Psiquiatria, OCD often emerges during childhood or adolescence, though diagnosis frequently occurs years later. A U.S. study indicated that the average interval between the onset of the disorder and a formal diagnosis is approximately seven years. The condition can significantly impact an individual's education, professional life, and relationships, with an impact on quality of life comparable to that seen in schizophrenia.