Condition : Obsessive compulsive disorder

Condition Obsessive compulsive disorder

What is obsessive compulsive disorder?

Obsessive compulsive disorder, commonly referred to as OCD, is a mental health condition that involves three main elements:

obsessions – an unpleasant thought, image, or urge that repeatedly forces its way into your mind, causing feelings of anxiety
anxiety – feelings of worry, nervousness, concern, or uneasiness that cause a drive to perform a compulsive action
compulsions – repetitive behaviours or mental acts that you feel you need to do to relieve the anxiety brought on by the obsession

Either the obsessive thoughts or compulsions may be less obvious, but they are usually both present in people with OCD.

Because OCD is often joked about, it is misunderstood by many as something that is ‘useful’ for staying organised and getting things done, or that everyone has a ‘little bit’ of.

OCD is not just washing your hands a lot, liking things to be tidy, or being very organised.

If you have OCD, unpleasant thoughts (obsessions) interrupt your thinking, make it difficult to concentrate on other things, and cause you distress or have an impact on the quality of your life.

Compulsive behaviours common in OCD include checking or counting things, avoiding places or situations, or repeating words in your head..

What causes obsessive compulsive disorder?

It's not clear what causes OCD, but factors thought to be involved include:

genetics (having a close family member who has OCD)
learning OCD behaviours as a coping technique from people you are close to
a chemical imbalance in the brain, such as low levels of serotonin
being bullied, abused, or neglected
being pregnant or giving birth (known as perinatal OCD)
a stressful event, such as losing someone close to you
personality type
having another mental health problem, such as anxiety, depression, or stress

Hoarding, compulsive skin picking (CSP), hair pulling (trichotillomania), or an unhealthy relationship with food are all problems that can overlap with OCD.

It may also appear alongside a similar mental health condition, such as:

Next steps

Step 1. Check out our advice

Browse our advice and resources to learn more about your condition and ways to manage it.

Step 2. Contact a Healthcare Professional

If you need further support or have concerns, a Healthcare Professional is here to help. Reach out for professional medical advice tailored to you.

Step 3. View our services

Discover services and support options available to help you with your health and wellbeing.

Managing your health

Adults

There are a number of national and local organisations who can support you and help you manage health conditions at home.

External support

Children and young people

We've created health advice and resources to help you confidently manage health conditions at home. Browse our expert guidance on self-care - tailored to your specific needs - and practical support to start seeing the benefits to your wellbeing and independence.