OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder)
Intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors driven by anxiety.
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Overview
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder involves intrusive distressing thoughts obsessions that drive repetitive behaviours or mental rituals compulsions aimed at reducing anxiety. NOT about being tidy or liking things organised. Debilitating anxiety condition causing hours of daily distress. Common obsessions include contamination fears harm thoughts what if I hurt someone intrusive sexual religious thoughts need for symmetry order. Compulsions include washing checking counting mental reviewing seeking reassurance. Cycle is intrusive thought intense anxiety compulsion temporary relief thought returns stronger. Affects 2 percent people. Often starts childhood adolescence but can emerge any age. Many hide OCD due to shame about intrusive thoughts. Untreated OCD worsens over time consuming more hours daily. Commonly co-occurs with autism ADHD eating disorders depression. Treatment is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy CBT specifically Exposure Response Prevention ERP gradually facing fears without performing compulsions. Medication SSRIs helps some people. Recovery possible but requires specialist therapy not general counselling.
Key Characteristics
- Intrusive unwanted thoughts causing extreme anxiety
- Compulsive behaviours to reduce anxiety
- Thoughts feel uncontrollable and distressing
- Compulsions provide temporary relief only
- Time-consuming can take hours daily
- Often hidden due to shame
- Worsens without treatment
- Co-occurs with autism ADHD anxiety
What Helps
- CBT with Exposure Response Prevention ERP
- Specialist OCD therapist not general counselling
- Medication SSRIs when appropriate
- Family accommodation reduction
- OCD-UK resources and support
- School adjustments for contamination checking
- Do not provide excessive reassurance
- Validate distress not compulsions
- Gradual exposure not avoidance
- Long-term management not quick fix
Note: Informational only. Consult professionals for individualised support.