Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

OCD & Obsessions

Obsessive compulsive disorder or OCD is a condition where a person experiences intrusive and disturbing thoughts or images that cause them to feel anxious, disgusted or uneasy. Common obsessive compulsive disorder symptoms include checking behaviours and counting. There is a strong link between OCD and anxiety. To quell the anxiety brought on by these thoughts, a person with OCD engages in compulsive behaviours, rituals or 'thought checking' which provides short-term relief but ultimately makes matters worse.  Often times, the thing that a person obsesses about is a subject matter that is deeply disturbing to them personally and also condemned or feared by their larger culture.

OCD has become quite a popular term in recent years that many people use to describe a personality that is orderly, clean and organised but this is inaccurate. Obsessive compulsive disorder is a very disruptive and distressing condition that interrupts a person's daily functioning and peace of mind. A specific type of CBT called Exposure & Response Prevention has been shown to be very effective therapy for the treatment of OCD. 

OCD and anxiety

Signs of Obsessive Compulsivity

Common Obsessions

  • Fear of contamination from germs, viruses, body fluids, foods etc.

  • Worries about harm occurring from break ins, kidnapping, contamination etc.

  • Obsessions with the body or physical symptoms

  • Religious, sacrilegious or blasphemous thoughts

  • Sexual thoughts or images such as incest or paedophilia

  • Thoughts or images of violence such as stabbing or harming someone

  • Urge to hoard useless or worn out possessions

  • Excessive concern with exactness, order, symmetry etc.

  • Obsessive questions around gender or sexuality

Common Compulsions

  • Checking behaviours (e.g., checking the oven, plugs, locks, kettle, etc.)

  • Repeating acts (e.g., hand washing, touching wood, crossing   

  • Mental rituals (e.g., repeating special words, lucky phrases, prayers)

  • Ordering or arranging acts (e.g., before leaving the house)

  • Hoarding or collecting 

  • Counting 

Please contact us for more information or to schedule a consultation about your symptoms of obsessive compulsive disorder.

Email. admin@harrisonpsychologygroup.com
Phone. 07944 112333