ABSTRACT
According to the DSM-IV, either recurrent obsessions or compulsions have to occur for a diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Essential for the diagnosis of OCD is that the complaints cause marked distress, are time consuming (take more than an hour), or interfere with social or work functioning. The content of the obsession or compulsion must be unrelated to any other Axis I disorder. Obsessions are repetitive, recurring thoughts, ideas, images, or impulses that are experienced as intrusive, and also as senseless or repugnant—the client attempts to ignore or suppress them. The client recognizes that the obsessions are the product of his or her own mind. Compulsions, however, are repetitive, apparent, and purposeful behaviors that are performed according to certain rules or in a stereotyped fashion. Compulsions have the function of neutralizing or preventing discomfort and/or anxiety.
