Also known as: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
OCD is a chronic mental health condition characterised by unwanted, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours or mental acts (compulsions) performed to reduce anxiety.
OCD affects 2-3% of the global population and is ranked by the WHO as one of the top 10 most disabling illnesses. Mean age of onset is 19 years.
OCD involves a cycle: intrusive thoughts (obsessions) cause intense anxiety, which is temporarily relieved by performing rituals (compulsions), reinforcing the cycle.
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is the gold standard psychological treatment, with 60-70% of patients achieving significant improvement. SSRIs are effective first-line medications.
People with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder often experience the following symptoms.
Fear of germs, dirt, or contamination leading to excessive handwashing, cleaning, or avoidance.
Repeated checking of locks, appliances, or work for errors, consuming hours of the day.
Intense need for symmetry, exactness, or particular arrangements, with distress when disrupted.
Unwanted violent, sexual, or blasphemous thoughts that are distressing and ego-dystonic (contrary to the person's values).
Certain factors may increase your likelihood of developing Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.
Common approaches to managing obsessive-compulsive disorder. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized treatment.
Gold standard therapy: gradual exposure to feared situations while preventing the compulsive response.
Higher doses than typically used for depression: fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, sertraline, and paroxetine.
Tricyclic antidepressant with strong serotonergic action, effective but with more side effects.
Adding low-dose antipsychotics for treatment-resistant OCD.
Clinical assessment based on DSM-5 criteria. Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) quantifies severity. Screen for comorbid depression, anxiety, and tic disorders.
Seek help if obsessions and compulsions consume more than 1 hour daily, cause significant distress, or interfere with work, relationships, or daily activities.
Steps that may help reduce the risk of developing or worsening obsessive-compulsive disorder.
No proven prevention
Early treatment prevents chronicity
Recognise and address childhood symptoms early
Maintain treatment gains with ongoing practice
If left untreated or poorly managed, obsessive-compulsive disorder may lead to:
No. OCD involves distressing intrusive thoughts and time-consuming rituals that significantly impair functioning. Tidiness alone is not OCD.
Many patients achieve significant improvement or remission with ERP and medication. Complete cure is possible but ongoing management helps maintain gains.
No. OCD intrusive thoughts are ego-dystonic — they are distressing precisely because they contradict the person's values. They do not predict behaviour.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.