What is it?

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder that has obsessions (recurrent and persistent thoughts, images or urges) that you seem unable to get out of your mind and “compulsions” or repetitive behaviours that you may feel driven to perform

What does it feel like?

These compulsions can be in the form of things you do (washing your hands, turning off switches) or things you think about (counting in your mind, reciting things repeatedly to yourself, or seeing unpleasant images).   

These thoughts are intrusive and distressing, and seem uncontrollable.  For some people, not performing the compulsions, or rituals, lead to concerns that bad things will happen to them, or to others.  

Possible treatment options

Usually the best treatment options for this difficulty are based around increasing your knowledge of the problem, having a better understanding of your thinking, and making some changes to your behaviour.  The evidence suggested cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is usually the most effective treatment.  You may find that working one-to-one with a CBT therapist is the most effective treatment for this problem, but some people find that some blended working with a therapist and SilverCloud online CBT is especially helpful.

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