Phenomenology of obsessive compulsive disorder.

A syndrome related to obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) has been recognized for more than 300 years. Early descriptions focused on different aspects of this syndrome, reflecting the prevailing culture of the observer. English explanations stressed religious aspects and a relationship to melancholy. French phenomenologists emphasized the importance of doubt and loss of will. The German view focused on the irrational nature of the thoughts, finding a link to psychosis. Currently, OCD is considered an anxiety disorder in which either obsessions or compulsions contribute to significant distress or interference with functioning. However, obsessions and compulsions are also part of normal mental life. One current challenge is to understand the relationship between normal obsessions and compulsions and those that lead to interference and distress. The author presents a working model which helps resolve issues relating to our understanding of OCD.