What is OCD?
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a chronic mental health condition associated with obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviour.
An obsession is an unwanted thought that regularly appears in a person’s mind and causes anxiety. A compulsion is a repetitive physical or mental act that a sufferer feels the need to perform to avert the effect of the obsession.
How common is OCD?
OCD is one of the most common mental health problems, and up to 3 in 100 adults suffer from the condition. Symptoms can begin at any time.
What are the symptoms of OCD?
OCD causes obsession, anxiety, compulsion and then temporary relief. Obsessions include fear of causing harm to yourself or others with a deliberate action, fear of causing harm through an accident and fear of contamination. Obsessions can also be with symmetry and orderliness.
Compulsions include cleaning, hand washing, checking, counting, ordering, hoarding, repeating words and having prolonged thoughts about the obsession.
How is OCD treated?
OCD can be treated with behavioural therapy and medication.
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