Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder characterised by two main parts:

1. Obsessions

These are unwanted intrusive thoughts, images, urges, worries, or doubts that appear repeatedly in your mind. These obsessions are largely ego-dystonic in that they are not like the self (i.e., they go against our values or beliefs). Typically, obsessional thoughts are hidden beneath the surface and may include (although not limited to):

  • Fear of contamination from dirt

  • Fear of contamination from viruses (i.e., HIV)

  • Fear of harm occurring (i.e., door locks not secure)

  • Excessive concern with exactness, order, or symmetry

  • Religious, sacrilegious, or blasphemous thoughts

  • Sexual thoughts or images (i.e., being a paedophile or homosexual)

  • Thoughts or images of violence or aggression (i.e., stabbing your baby)

2. Compulsions

These are repetitive and intentional actions (visible or hidden) that follow obsessions in an attempt to prevent ‘danger’ and to reduce the anxiety caused by the obsession (temporarily). Unfortunately, these attempts to prevent ‘danger’ and reduce anxiety in the short-term become problematic in the long-term. Typical examples of compulsions include:

  • Washing / checking

  • Praying /  repeating sentences

  • Reassurance seeking (self, family, friends)

  • Repetitive touching of objects (i.e., until it feels right)

  • Repetitive counting magical / lucky numbers

  • Exercise

  • Avoidance (i.e., children, driving, holding scissors)

It is important to note that OCD thoughts are simply ‘normal’ thoughts (something that we all experience from time-to-time). However, people with OCD are unable to ignore the thoughts and ascribe a different meaning to them (i.e., what is wrong with me? Why am I having these thoughts? I am a bad person).

Thoughts do not matter but our response to them does

Talking about your intrusive thoughts is like putting your biggest secret on a billboard.

Just like Voldemort, OCD invades your mind with terrifying, evil thoughts and images. These thoughts are not yours (or Harry’s) and it is important to disentangle these thoughts from your own.

“No longer do these intrusive thoughts control me or my life. The thoughts are still there but they no longer walk me about on a leash.”