What is OCD?
An introduction to Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and how it impacts the lives of many.
What is OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder)?
Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is an anxiety-related mental health condition that involves recurrent intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours or mental acts (compulsions).
OCD is not always about being tidy or organised, as popular culture has depicted. It is driven by anxiety, uncertainty, and a strong urge to reduce distress, even when the person recognises that the thoughts or behaviours don’t make logical sense.
Obessions & Compulsions
Obsessions
Obsessions are unwanted, intrusive thoughts, images, or urges that cause distress or anxiety.
Examples may include:
- Fear of harming others
- Fear of contamination or illness
- Intrusive sexual or violent thoughts
- Fear of acting immorally or ‘being a bad person’
- A need for certainty or exactness
These thoughts are not chosen and often go directly against a person’s values.
Compulsions
Compulsions are repetitive behaviours or mental actions performed to reduce anxiety or prevent something feared.
Examples may include:
- Repeated checking
- Washing or cleaning
- Reassurance seeking
- Mental reviewing or neutralising thoughts
- Avoidance of triggers
Relief from compulsions is usually temporary, which keeps the cycle going.