Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

What is it image

What is it?

Information

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition marked by persistent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) that lead to repetitive behaviours (compulsions) performed to reduce anxiety, often interfering with daily life and routines.

Here's more detail

Published: 05/10/24

Description

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterised by persistent and intrusive thoughts, images, or urges (obsessions) that cause anxiety or distress. These obsessions lead individuals to engage in repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) in an attempt to neutralise or alleviate the anxiety.

Despite understanding that these behaviors are excessive or irrational, individuals with OCD find it difficult to resist them. OCD can significantly impact daily life, relationships, and overall well-being.

Watch the video below from mind.org.uk to learn more about OCD.

OCD image

Symptoms

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is characterised by two main symptoms: obsessions and compulsions.

The cycle of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) involves performing compulsions to temporarily alleviate the anxiety caused by obsessions. While these compulsions may provide momentary relief, it is short-lived. Anxiety inevitably returns, compelling people to repeat the compulsive behaviors. This cycle can severely impact daily life, consuming significant time and causing distress. It interferes with essential activities such as sleep, study, and socialising with friends and family. People with OCD may feel scared, ashamed, or overwhelmed by their intrusive thoughts and behaviors, believing they are unable to control their mind’s distressing content.

  • Obsessions

    Obsessions are intrusive and distressing thoughts, images, or urges that repeatedly enter the mind.

    Everyone’s obsessions are different, but they can include:

    • worrying about something bad happening, like someone you love dying
    • worrying that you are going to harm yourself or someone else on purpose or by accident
    • worrying about becoming contaminated – for example with germs, viruses, infections, dirt or dangerous chemicals
    • a need for orderliness or symmetry
    • intrusive sexual thoughts or images
    • intrusive violent thoughts or images
    • having a general feeling or sense that something is wrong, or that something bad is going to happen

  • Compulsions

    Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts that individuals feel compelled to perform in response to their obsessions.

    Compulsions are different for everyone, but they can include:

    • checking things – for example that you have locked windows and doors, or turned the gas off
    • checking memories – for example to check that you haven’t harmed someone in the past
    • asking other people for reassurance – for example asking people to tell you that something bad hasn’t happened
    • repetitively cleaning or washing
    • hoarding
    • having endless internal arguments about whether you have done something bad
    • thinking “neutralising” thoughts to counter the obsessive thoughts
    • counting or repeating phrases
    • arranging objects in specific patterns
    • avoiding situations, people, places or activities that trigger upsetting thoughts

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Stat

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OCD is thought to affect

1 to 4%

of the population in their lifetime

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What causes OCD

Causes

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Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) can be influenced by a combination of factors. Genetic, neurological, and environmental factors play significant roles in the development of OCD. Genetic predisposition can increase the likelihood of developing OCD, as individuals with a family history of the disorder may be more susceptible.

Neurologically, there may be differences in brain structure and function, particularly involving the areas that regulate anxiety and habitual behaviors.

Environmental factors, such as stressful life events or traumatic experiences, can also trigger or exacerbate OCD symptoms. Additionally, learned behaviors and the way individuals cope with stress or anxiety may contribute to the persistence of OCD symptoms over time.

Understanding these multifaceted causes is crucial in tailoring effective treatments and support for individuals living with OCD.

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Voice

Many people have a type of OCD that is not really visible to others but will be characterised by things like seeking reassurance, or doing something internal, like repeating words or saying a prayer in their head.

- Katie d’Ath, CBT therapist specialising in OCD

katie dath

Getting help

There are effective avenues for getting help if you’re struggling with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Seeking support typically starts with consulting your GP, who can provide an initial assessment and refer you to mental health services or specialists if needed.

  • Talking therapies

    Treatment options often include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), particularly Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), which helps individuals confront their fears gradually and manage compulsive behaviors.

  • Medication

    You may be prescribed Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), which are antidepressants known to effectively treat OCD according to research. Alternatively, Clomipramine, a tricyclic antidepressant, might be recommended if SSRIs do not provide relief. Different individuals respond differently to medications, so discussing options with your doctor is important. It may take trying several medications before finding one that works best for you.

    While medication helps some people manage OCD symptoms, it may not be suitable for everyone. It’s essential to gather information about potential benefits and side effects before making a decision. If you have any questions or concerns about a medication, don’t hesitate to ask your healthcare provider for clarification.

  • Self-management resources

    Charities like Mind and OCD UK offer resources, information, and support groups for individuals and families affected by OCD. Accessing these resources can play a crucial role in managing symptoms.

    You can find a wealth of free resources on NCL Waiting Room that can support with OCD recovery as well as information about local treatment options and services. Discover more below.

It's not about being tidy, it's about having no control over your negative thoughts. It's about being afraid not doing things a certain way will cause harm.
An, mind.org.uk
If your child is developing routines and rituals and you suspect it may be OCD, get a diagnosis as early as possible and ask for a referral to specialist OCD support. Routines can become entrenched very quickly. However, there is treatment and support which can really help.
Parent, Young Minds

Some resources that may help

OCD UK logo

OCD UK

National organisation offering education, hope and support for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, with resources including blogs, guides, webinars and a helpline.
National Groups / Website
PANDAS logo

PANDAS Foundation

A charity aiming to be the most recognised and trusted support service for families and their networks who may be suffering with perinatal mental illness, including prenatal (antenatal) and postnatal depression.
National Groups / Website
No Panic

The No Panic Helpline

An organisation providing support and recovery programs for anxiety-based disorders, offering a youth and adult helpline and crisis message for panic attacks.
Helplines / Website

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