OCD Key Terms

Flashcards defining key behavioral and therapeutic concepts from the OCD Concept Readiness notes.

Impulsive behaviors

The tendency to act spontaneously without thinking about the future consequences.

Compulsive behaviors

A repeating action that a person feels forced to do, even though they know it does not match their goals or causes them distress.

Milieu Therapy

A mental health treatment approach that uses a structured supportive physical and social environment—known as a therapeutic community—to help individuals develop healthier behaviors and social skills.

Psychotherapy

A collaborative treatment where you talk with a licensed mental health professional to identify and change troubling thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

A structured, short-term form of psychotherapy that teaches you how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors affect each other.