Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive behaviour rides on the back of anxiety and insecurity. An obsession is a recurrent and persistant idea, impulse or image that is experienced as inappropriate or intrusive that result in anxiety and distress for a person.

Common obsessions for adults are:

• Pathological doubt - for example thoughts about taps being left on, doors being locked etc.
• Symmetry - for example arranging holdhold objects in a specific way.
• Thoughts about contamination - for example thoughts that may lead to excessive cleaning or washing.

Compulsions are recurrent and persistant behaviours that are undertaken to prevent or reduce mental distress or anxiety, usually through the belief that they will prevent a dreaded event from happening. Common compulsions include counting, washing and checking. The sufferer will often try to fight off the obsessions and compulsive behaviours, and often find that they intrude upon social and work life.