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