Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

It is thought that OCD affects about 1.2% of the UK population. It affects everyone differently - there is no “one size fits all” OCD.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is a psychological health condition where a person has obsessive thoughts and compulsive activities.  The obsession can be either unpleasant or unwanted thoughts, images, doubts or ruminations that repeatedly enter your mind and cause feelings of anxiety, disgust or unease. The compulsion is a repetitive activity that you feel you need to complete in order to temporarily relieve the anxiety the obsession causes. For example, someone might obsess or worry about germs causing a severe infection so they feel the compulsion to wash their hands over and over again before leaving the house.

Compulsions can take up lots of time and can severely impact daily living, affect the ability to work and interfere with building healthy relationships.  It is very important to note that any relief you might feel from the anxiety when performing a compulsive behaviour is only temporary.

As with many conditions OCD is often a symptom of an underlying cause not dissimilar to an addiction. Therapy can give you tools that can help you manage your symptoms.  However while it is important to manage your symptoms it is vital to get to the under lying causes.

If you are suffering from OCD please speak to your GP or a trained counsellor or psychotherapist as soon as possible.

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