Learn
OCD: unwanted thoughts and the urge to put them right
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) involves unwanted, distressing thoughts, images or urges (obsessions) and things a person feels they must do to ease the distress (compulsions). It is not about being tidy, and the thoughts do not reflect who someone is.
How it can feel
- Repeated unwanted thoughts that cause strong anxiety
- Checking, washing, counting or repeating to feel safe
- Needing things to feel exactly right
- Seeking reassurance again and again
- Spending a lot of time on these each day
What can help
- Knowing the thoughts are a symptom, not your character
- A specialist talking therapy called exposure and response prevention (ERP)
- Support from family who understand OCD
- Medicine for some people, decided with a doctor
When to get help
OCD rarely improves by itself and responds well to specialist help. A psychologist or psychiatrist can assess it properly.
Written by the PodHub team from widely used public health guidance. Waiting for review by our founding clinical lead. General information, not a diagnosis or advice for your situation.