Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition where a person has obsessions and compulsions. It can affect anyone, at any age.
Obsessions
Obsessions are unwanted thoughts, images or urges that pop into your mind again and again and cause anxiety, disgust or distress. Common themes include:
- fear of germs or contamination
- fear of harming yourself or others by mistake or on purpose
- needing things to be in order or feel "just right"
- unwanted sexual or religious thoughts
- doubts about relationships
Compulsions
Compulsions are things you feel you have to do to ease the distress or stop something bad happening. They can be actions or mental acts, such as:
- cleaning or washing a lot
- checking things, like locks or the cooker
- counting, repeating words or ordering things
- asking for reassurance
- avoiding places or situations
Compulsions bring short-term relief, but they keep the cycle of OCD going.
Getting help
- see your GP
- in England, you can refer yourself to NHS Talking Therapies for OCD
People often wait years before getting help, sometimes because they feel ashamed of their thoughts. Health professionals understand that intrusive thoughts are a symptom of OCD.
See OCD treatment.
Common questions
Do intrusive thoughts mean I want to do those things?
No. Intrusive thoughts in OCD are unwanted and distressing precisely because they go against what you want and value. Having a thought is not the same as wanting it or acting on it.
Is OCD just about cleaning and tidiness?
No. OCD can be about many things, including fears of harm, doubts, religion, relationships or sexual thoughts. Compulsions can also be mental, such as checking or reassuring yourself in your head.
Sources we used
- NHS, Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
- NICE guideline CG31, Obsessive-compulsive disorder and body dysmorphic disorder
- OCD-UK
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