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.

Link to this post
Comments for this post are closed.

Online support if you are feeling low or anxious

Did you know that there are a range of online CBT-based resources that you can access for free if you are feeling low or …

Sleep matters!

The mental health foundation have published a helpful guide on how to improve the quality of your sleep.  Getting a good …

Mindfulness

Practicing mindfulness can be a great way to help let go of worries and ruminations.  Try some exercises for free by clicking …