OCD – Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Obsessions – What are they?

Obsessions are thoughts, images or urges that come into your mind over and over again even though you do not want them to. The most common obsessions are fears about being contaminated by germs or dirt and fears about causing harm or injury to something or someone. People sometimes worry that they haven’t locked the door or have forgotten to switch something off e.g. cooker. Others worry about acting out violent, sexual or blasphemous thoughts. Obsessions can be very distressing because they feel like thoughts that you just can’t control and can’t get rid of.

Compulsions – What are they ?

Compulsions are actions people carry out in order to reduce anxiety or discomfort which are caused by obsessions. People feel forced to do them in repetitive and specific ways. The most common compulsions are checking to prevent something bad from happening e.g. checking for half an hour that you’ve locked the door and cleaning or washing over and over again to prevent contamination e.g. washing your hands 20 times in a row. Other common compulsions are repeated arranging or touching of certain objects in order to prevent something bad from happening. Compulsions can also be ‘mental rituals’ such as repeating words or phrases and counting up to a specific number in your mind.

When is it a problem?

Everyone occasionally feels the need to double check things. However, if you suffer from OCD, these thoughts and actions become difficult to ignore and can start interfering with your ability to get on with life.