Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition involving obsessive thoughts and compulsions to act in particular ways.
OCD is quite common in our society. About 1 in 50 people develop OCD at some point in their lives, with men and women affected equally. People of all ages, including children, can develop OCD.
Obsessions are unpleasant thoughts, images or urges that keep coming into a person’s mind. Obsessions tend to feel more intrusive and repetitive than normal worries. Common obsessions focus on hygiene and cleanliness, safety and tidiness, though there are many others.
Obsessions cause distress; compulsions are the things that people do to try to relieve that distress. Common compulsions include hand-washing, checking that a door is locked and repeating specific phrases.
The nature of obsessive compulsive behaviour
The words compulsive and obsessive are often used in relation to behaviours such as gambling, drinking and exercising. However, these behaviours can be pleasurable. The obsessions and compulsions of OCD are never pleasurable – they are always experienced as an unpleasant demand or burden. Not all people who demonstrate compulsive behaviour have OCD.
A person with OCD knows that their obsessions and compulsions are excessive or irrational. However, they find it difficult or impossible to resist them. Compulsions aren’t about being safe, clean or tidy, for example; they are about stopping the obsessive thoughts.
Initially the compulsive behaviour relieves the anxiety created by the obsessive thought, but that relief is only temporary. The obsessive thought recurs and the person feels compelled to repeat the compulsive behaviour. This can become a self-perpetuating cycle.
Many people with OCD feel great shame. They think they should be able to get it under control. Often they keep their obsessions and compulsions secret and may not seek help for fear of being judged.
Counselling can help those with OCD
OCD can be treated with therapy, which may be accompanied by medication. An experienced therapist will help someone suffering from OCD to gradually increase their capacity to cope with anxiety. This will enable them to resist their compulsions for longer, which in turn will gradually reduce their anxiety.
Cognitive behavioural therapy, or CBT, is often mentioned in connection with OCD, but other types of therapy can also be effective.
Our therapists are carefully picked for their experience, warmth and empathy. They won’t judge you.
If you would like further information, please contact us or book an initial consultation.
Meet our therapists working with OCD
