Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Obsessive compulsive disorder causes unwanted, distressing thoughts, images or urges (obsessions) and repeated actions or mental rituals done to ease the distress (compulsions). It is not about being tidy. People with OCD know the thoughts are irrational, and the rituals can take hours a day. Many hide it for years out of shame. It is treatable.
Medically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
Symptoms
- Intrusive thoughts about contamination, harm, religion or sex that cause distress
- Repeated washing, checking, counting or arranging
- Needing to repeat prayers or phrases until they feel right
- Seeking reassurance again and again
- Avoiding situations that trigger the thoughts
- Rituals that take more than an hour a day
When to See a Doctor
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, go to the nearest emergency department or call 112. To talk to someone now, call the SURPIN suicide prevention helpline on 0800 078 7746 (free, 24 hours). See a psychiatrist if thoughts or rituals take up a lot of time, cause distress, or get in the way of work, study, faith or family life.
Treatment options
- Cognitive behavioural therapy with exposure and response prevention
- SSRI medication, often at higher doses than for depression
- Family guidance, so loved ones stop feeding the rituals
- Clomipramine or a combined approach when first treatments have not helped enough
What it costs on Mezo
Published cash prices for the operations used to treat this condition. Your own quote follows an examination.
Common Questions
Do intrusive thoughts mean I will act on them?
No. In OCD the thoughts are distressing precisely because they go against who you are. Having them does not make you dangerous.
Is religious OCD a lack of faith?
No. Repeated doubts about whether a prayer was done correctly, or fears of blasphemy, can be OCD. Treatment can help, and it does not ask you to give up your faith.
Need Help?
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