Obsessivas

Obsessivas is a term that can refer to a variety of psychological phenomena, most commonly related to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or obsessive thoughts. In the context of OCD, "obsessivas" describes the intrusive, unwanted, and often distressing thoughts, images, or urges that repeatedly enter a person's mind. These obsessions can be about a wide range of topics, including contamination, harm, order and symmetry, or forbidden or taboo thoughts. The individual typically finds these thoughts highly disturbing and may try to suppress them, leading to anxiety or distress.

These obsessive thoughts are often accompanied by compulsions, which are repetitive behaviors or mental acts that the person feels driven to perform in response to an obsession. The compulsions are aimed at reducing the distress caused by the obsession or preventing a dreaded event, though they are often excessive or not realistically connected to the feared outcome. For example, someone with contamination obsessions might engage in excessive handwashing.

Beyond clinical definitions, "obsessivas" can also be used in a more general sense to describe any persistent or consuming preoccupation with a particular idea, person, or activity, even if it does not meet the criteria for a mental disorder. This could manifest as an intense focus on a hobby, a strong infatuation, or a relentless pursuit of a goal. However, when the term is used in a psychological or medical context, it typically relates to the involuntary and distressing nature of obsessions experienced in conditions like OCD. The distinction between a strong interest and a problematic obsession lies in the level of distress, impairment in functioning, and the involuntary nature of the thought.