Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a recognized psychiatric disorder and a significant area of psychopathology research. It is characterized by the presence of recurrent, persistent, intrusive thoughts, urges, or images (obsessions) and/or repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) that the individual feels driven to perform. As an academic concept and research field, it investigates the etiology, phenomenology, neurobiological correlates, cognitive mechanisms, and behavioral manifestations of this condition. Key characteristics include marked distress or impairment caused by obsessions or compulsions, which are often time-consuming or significantly interfere with daily functioning. Its significance lies in its role as a model for studying cognitive biases, executive dysfunction, anxiety-related processes, and the development and efficacy of targeted psychological and pharmacological interventions within clinical psychology, psychiatry, and neuroscience.