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Overview
OCD is a condition where unwanted, intrusive thoughts, images or urges (obsessions) drive repetitive behaviours or mental acts (compulsions) done to reduce the distress they cause. People usually know the thoughts are excessive but feel unable to resist the rituals. It is common, often starts in childhood or early adulthood, and is highly treatable.
Symptoms
Recurrent intrusive thoughts about contamination, harm, symmetry or taboo subjects
Repetitive behaviours such as washing, checking, counting or arranging
Strong need for reassurance
Spending an hour or more each day on obsessions or rituals
Marked distress or interference with daily life
Avoidance of triggering situations
Causes & risk factors
Genetic and family-history factors
Differences in brain circuits involving serotonin
Stressful or traumatic life events as triggers
Sometimes onset after infection in children (rare)
Treatment & self-care
Treatment is usually a specific form of talking therapy that gradually reduces rituals, sometimes combined with medication prescribed and monitored by a clinician. A psychiatrist or psychologist tailors the plan; many people improve substantially with consistent treatment.
See a doctor urgently if
Obsessions or compulsions take up significant time or cause distress
Symptoms interfere with work, school or relationships
You feel unable to control the behaviours
You have any thoughts of harming yourself
Frequently asked questions
What are the first signs of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?
Early signs often include recurrent intrusive thoughts about contamination, harm, symmetry or taboo subjects, repetitive behaviours such as washing, checking, counting or arranging, strong need for reassurance. Symptoms vary from person to person, so a proper assessment by a doctor is the only way to be sure.
Can Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) be treated?
Treatment is usually a specific form of talking therapy that gradually reduces rituals, sometimes combined with medication prescribed and monitored by a clinician. A psychiatrist or psychologist tailors the plan; many people improve substantially with consistent treatment.
When should I see a doctor about Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?
See a doctor promptly if you notice: obsessions or compulsions take up significant time or cause distress; symptoms interfere with work, school or relationships; you feel unable to control the behaviours; you have any thoughts of harming yourself.
Talk to the right specialist
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is usually handled by psychiatry. See an online psychiatry doctor in minutes on iHealix.