What is OCD?
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a disorder that affects approximately 2-3% of the population. It usually begins in late childhood or early adolescence. It involves recurrent obsessions and/or compulsions. These are usually highly distressing and can significantly impact on quality of life.
Obsessions
Obsessions of OCD can be either thoughts, images or urges. They are repetitive and unwanted and intrude into the mind without our control. Obsessions often cause anxiety and distress, and an urge to act.
Some common obsessions:
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Fear of contamination, such as germs, viruses, or dirt
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Obsessive doubt of whether you might cause harm or be a bad person
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Fear of losing control & acting on impulses, such as stealing, swearing, or becoming violent
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Preoccupation with order, symmetry, or patterns
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Preoccupation with religious or moral issues
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Unwanted sexual thoughts or images
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An insatiable "need to know" or make sense of something
Compulsions
Compulsions are purposeful response to help reduce the distress of an obsession. Compulsions can be either mental or behavioural acts. While they are intentional, they can be very difficult to control.
Some common compulsions:
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Washing & cleaning to reduce fears of contamination
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Physical or mental checking of things to alleviate doubts of causing harm or being bad
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Ordering, counting, arranging to help with a need for symmetry and order
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Praying, repeating “safe” words or phrases, thinking “good” thoughts to neutralise immoral fears
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Asking for reassurance from others to help with self-doubt and uncertainty
Can you be a “little bit OCD?”
No. The “D” in OCD stands for Disorder. This means that the obsessions and compulsions are not just annoying but highly distressing, and/or significantly impact on someone's quality of life.
Most people have had unwanted thoughts, and the urge to do something about them. For instance, many people can relate to the doubt of “did I lock the front door?” and the urge to go back and check. While some people might use the term “a little bit OCD” to refer to cleanliness, or a preference for order, this undermines the disorder element of disabling OCD.
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