Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is an anxiety condition characterised by either obsessions (thoughts, ideas or images) and/or compulsions (behaviours or acts) that are repetitive, and viewed by the sufferer as unpleasant, excessive or unreasonable. The sufferer usually tries to resist the thoughts and behaviours, but often unsuccessfully, leading to distress and lots of wasted time.
Obsessions might include:
- Fears about contamination
- Fears about harm, for example the death or injury of a loved one
- Violent or sexual thoughts
Common compulsions include:
- Hand washing
- Counting
- Checking
- Ordering
- Cleaning
OCD can sometimes be helped using medications such as Fluoxetine, but this will rarely be effective in alleviating all the symptoms. Most often the treatment will involve either CBT, or CBT in combination with medication.