Intrusive thoughts are some of the most personal and agonizing symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder. Thanks to OCD, just one single unpleasant thought or image—violent, sexual, obscene, ...

Many people with OCD first get advice from internet chat forums or therapists untrained in OCD. Although the advice-givers are usually well-meaning, the messaging isn’t always consistent with best ...

A new study from the University of East Anglia reveals that sleep deprivation may impair the brain's ability to suppress intrusive thoughts and unwanted memories. The research found that participants ...

The mind can wander to strange places. Sometimes those places and the images that come with them are unwanted, dangerous and negative. We all have intrusive thoughts, but some of us deal with them ...

Obsessions and compulsions in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) vary between people and may focus on one or more themes. The term “taboo OCD” refers to OCD themes that center around socially ...

Rohan’s nighttime fears of being robbed and abducted began at five years old. At nine, Rohan was still sleeping in his mother’s room plagued by nighttime obsessions. “I feel like we’re going to get ...

Self-doubt is a real piece of work—constantly whispering intrusive thoughts that slowly (but effectively) chip away at our confidence. While everyone experiences moments of uncertainty, those who ...

Too often, people say they “let their intrusive thoughts win” after spontaneously dyeing their hair or making a late-night purchase. There’s a difference between impulsive and intrusive thoughts, ...

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a treatment for symptoms of trauma. Some limited research suggests it could also help with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). EMDR ...

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can affect children and adults. Obsessive thoughts are difficult to spot, but compulsive behaviors are usually more obvious. OCD often develops between the ages of ...

We have probably all heard someone say they are “a little bit OCD”, perhaps jokily or as a matter of pride, in reference to their meticulous rearrangement of their bookshelves or habit of spending ...