Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is where people experience repetitive and upsetting thoughts and/or behaviours. OCD has two main features: Obsessions and Compulsions. OCD usually involves having both obsessions and compulsions; however, a person with OCD may sometimes have only one or the other.

Obsessions: they come in the form of intrusive, unwanted involuntary thoughts, images or impulses. The main features of obsessions are that they are automatic, frequent, or distressing and difficult to control or get rid of.

Common obsessions include:

• Fears of getting a disease, e.g. cancer, AIDS
• Fears about dirt, germs and contamination
• Fear of acting out violently or aggressive thoughts/impulses
• Fears of harming others, especially a loved one
• Inordinate concern with order, arrangement or symmetry
• Fears that things are not safe, especially household appliances

Compulsions: commonly called “rituals”. They are repetitive, purposeful behaviours preformed in a response to an obsession or according to certain rules. In some cases, people have compulsions without having obsessional thoughts but very often, they occur together. Carrying out a compulsion reduces the person’s anxiety; however, the anxiety relief is usually short lived, and makes the urge to perform the compulsion again stronger each time. 

Common compulsions include:

• Excessive washing or cleaning, e.g. hand washing
• Checking 
• Repetitive actions, e.g. touching, counting
• Arranging and ordering, e.g. objects in a room
• Hoarding or saving things

Is OCD common?

Today it is realised that OCD is much more common than was previously thought. About 2% of the population suffer from OCD at some point in their lives.  

OCD affects men and women equally. OCD can start at any time from preschool age to adulthood (usually by age 40). The age of onset typically begins during adolescence or early childhood. At least one-third of adult OCD cases begin in childhood.  

Typical OCD symptoms
Common Obsessions:	Common Compulsions:
Contamination fears of germs, dirt, etc.	Washing
Imagining having harmed self or others	Repeating
Imagining losing control or aggressive urges	Checking
Intrusive sexual thoughts or urges	Touching
Excessive religious or moral doubt	Counting
Forbidden thoughts	Ordering/arranging
A need to have things “just so”	Hoarding or saving
A need to tell, ask, confess	Praying

What causes OCD?

The exact causes of OCD are unknown. There have been many theories put forward. It is likely to result from a combination of factors and the causes for one person may be different from another. 

OCD can run in families; a genetic predisposition, and, in some cases, may be associated with an underlying biochemical imbalance in the brain.