Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
OCD pairs intrusive thoughts, images or urges that you do not want with repetitive actions or mental steps that help you feel safer or make the thoughts go away. Often relief is only brief, which strengthens the cycle. Themes vary, and can include contamination, harm, checking, symmetry, morality, sexuality or identity.
What you might notice
- Time heavy rituals such as checking, cleaning, arranging or counting
- Mental rituals such as reviewing memories or neutralising thoughts
- Reassurance seeking from loved ones or online searching
- A need to feel just right before moving on
Common loops that keep it going
- Confusing responsibility with control and trying to be 100 percent certain
- Treating thoughts as facts rather than events of the mind
Life areas affected
- Morning and evening routines that stretch for hours
- Work, study and relationships crowded out by rituals
