Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by distressing, intrusive thoughts and related compulsions that attempt to neutralize obsessions. Common obsessions include fears of contamination, harming others, mistakes, and social acceptance. Common compulsions include cleaning, checking, arranging, collecting, counting, and tapping. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), specifically exposure and response prevention (ERP), is an effective treatment that aims to change maladaptive thoughts and behaviors by exposing patients to their fears while preventing compulsions.

8. CBT Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is based on the idea that how we think ( cognition ), how we feel ( emotion ) and how we act ( behavior ) all interact together. Specifically, our thoughts determine our feelings and our behavior. Therefore, negative - and unrealistic - thoughts can cause us distress and result in problems.