Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by what?

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is distinctly characterized by the presence of unwanted and intrusive thoughts, known as obsessions, alongside repetitive behaviors or mental acts, referred to as compulsions, that individuals feel driven to perform. These obsessions lead to significant anxiety or distress, and the compulsions are often performed in an attempt to alleviate that anxiety or prevent a feared outcome. Thus, the hallmark features of OCD are indeed the unwanted repeated thoughts and actions, which form the basis of the disorder's diagnostic criteria. This understanding helps to clarify the nature of OCD as a condition marked by the interplay of intrusive thinking and ritualistic behavior, distinctly separating it from other mental health conditions.