What is OCD?

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a recognised mental health condition that involves a cycle of obsessions and compulsions. Obsessions are unwanted, intrusive thoughts, images or urges that cause intense anxiety or discomfort. Compulsions are repetitive behaviours or mental rituals performed to try to relieve that distress or prevent something bad from happening.

• OCD can affect anyone - regardless of age, gender or background. It’s not about being “neat” or “quirky”
• OCD is a serious condition that can interfere with daily life, relationships and wellbeing.
• Many people with OCD know their thoughts and behaviours are irrational, but feel powerless to stop them.

To diagnose OCD, our clinician will consider various things, including whether the obsession and compulsions are time consuming, and if they cause you significant distress or interfere with day to day life, work or relationships.

What causes OCD?

The exact cause of OCD isn’t fully understood, but research suggests it’s influenced by a combination of biological, psychological and environmental factors.

Contributing factors may include:

• Family history - having a relative with OCD may increase your risk
• Differences in brain chemistry - including low serotonin levels or heightened brain activity
• Personality traits, such as being highly responsible, anxious or perfectionistic
• Stressful life events - including trauma, abuse, bereavement or childbirth
• Learned behaviours - coping mechanisms developed in response to anxiety or uncertainty

OCD often begins in adolescence or early adulthood, but symptoms can appear at any age.

Common symptoms of OCD

OCD symptoms vary widely, but they typically fall into two categories: obsessions and compulsions. These can be emotional, psychological and behavioural in nature.

Emotional and psychological symptoms

• Intense anxiety, fear or distress triggered by intrusive thoughts
• Feelings of guilt, shame or self-doubt
• Difficulty concentrating due to obsessive thinking
• Feeling overwhelmed or “stuck” in mental loops
• Emotional exhaustion from constant mental effort

Examples of obsessions

• Fear of contamination or germs
• Worry about harming others or making a mistake
• Intrusive sexual or violent thoughts
• Need for symmetry, order or exactness
• Fear of losing important items or forgetting something

Examples of compulsions

• Excessive handwashing, cleaning or checking
• Repeating actions or phrases a set number of times
• Mental rituals (e.g. counting, praying, neutralising thoughts)
• Seeking constant reassurance from others
• Avoiding situations that trigger obsessions
• Mental checking or rumination.

How OCD can be treated

OCD is treatable, even if symptoms have persisted for many years. Many people find relief through a combination of therapy, medication and lifestyle support. The treatment recommended by your clinician will depend on the severity and timing of symptoms, and may include:

• Talking therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Mindfulness-based approaches
• Medication – which is often combined with therapy for best results

Lifestyle changes, such as working to improve sleep, reducing stress, and limiting triggers may also help.

Living with OCD can feel isolating, but you’re not alone. With compassionate, expert-led support, it’s possible to understand your symptoms and take control of them.

You’ve got questions and we’re here to help.

If you're unsure about whether you’re experiencing OCD, we can guide you.