Obsessions are defined by the recurrent and intrusive thoughts and images or impulses which cause marked anxiety or distress. Compulsions are repetitive behaviours or mental acts that person performs in response to obsessions.
Symptoms
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The symptoms of obsessions and compulsions should present for at least 2 weeks for the diagnosis.
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Lifetime prevalence is around 2-3%
Aetiology: Serotonin dysregulation, altered functioning of cortico-striatal-thalamic-cortical circuitry. Psychological and environmental stress, genetic heritability.