Condition : Obsessive compulsive disorder

Condition Obsessive compulsive disorder

What is obsessive compulsive disorder?

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), is a mental health condition that involves three main elements:

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

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

Stigma of living with OCD

OCD is often joked about, and is misunderstood by many as something that is ‘useful’. For example, 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. This makes it difficult to concentrate on other things, which affects your overall quality of 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 like 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.

Other conditions

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

body dysmorphic disorder (BDD)
eating disorders
personality disorders

Visit our condition pages for more information.

Next steps

Step 1. Check out our advice

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Step 3. View our services

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Managing your health

Adults

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External support

Children and young people

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Coping behaviours

Talking Therapies

Adults

A free and confidential service offering effective treatment for common mental health problems such as low mood, stress or worry.

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Older People's Mental Health Service

Older people
Adults

Support for difficulties with memory, thinking, or behaviour related to getting older, and for under-65s with young-onset dementia.

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Phoenix Service for children and young people

Children & young people

A day hospital for young people aged 12 to 18 who have moderate to severe complex mental health disorders.

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Community Mental Health Services

Adults

We offer treatment and support for those with significant mental health difficulties that limit one or more major life activities, including the ability to function in daily life.

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