Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is characterised by “recurrent obsessional thoughts or compulsive acts (or both) which may cause significant functional impairment and/or distress” (NICE).
Whilst OCD is stereotypically associated with repetitive behaviours or the need to do things in a certain way, this stereotype does not describe the experience of many people living with obsessions and compulsions, where experiences can be much more varied than this and are often undetectable to other people.
Obsessions
Obsessions are unwanted thoughts, images or urges. These obsessions are often related to causing emotion or potential harm to us or somebody else.
They are labelled as obsessions because we may find it very difficult to move our attention away from such thoughts or find ourselves obsessively analysing the thoughts to figure out whether they are true.
Here are some common examples of obsessive thoughts:
- “Do I really love my partner? Am I wasting their time? Should we break up?”
- “Have I left my plug socket switched on? Have I left my front door unlocked?”
- “My hands are not clean – what if I get sick?”
Most people will have these thoughts occasionally. However, if these thoughts feel difficult to stop thinking about, cause distress and impair your day-to-day life, we may class them as obsessions.
Compulsions
Compulsions are the behaviours we engage with in response to obsessive thoughts. For example:
- Confessing our doubts to our partner or seeking reassurance from them.
- Repeatedly checking plugs or switched off or doors are locked.
- Frequently washing hands and cleaning surfaces.
If you relate to the challenges described on this page, support is available. You may find the following resources helpful.
Self-help resources
- OCD Action – Learn about OCD – OCD Action provides information on all aspects on OCD through helpline, email, online forums and support groups.
- NHS – Obsessions and compulsions self-help guide
Videos
- OCD and Anxiety (YouTube channel)
- Dr. Russ Harris, Thanking your Mind: Taking The Power Out of Difficult Thoughts
- Therapy in a Nutshell OCD playlist (YouTube channel)
Local services
It is always a good idea to speak to a professional if you are struggling.
- Talk to your doctor (GP) about your symptoms and what support is available. If you are not registered with a doctor in Leeds, find out how to register with a doctor.
- Leeds Mental Wellbeing Service provides NHS talking therapies service in Leeds. They offer therapies suitable for people experiencing obsessions and compulsions.