Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a diagnosis given when a person experiences constant unwanted and invasive thoughts that often result in the performance of elaborate rituals to try to control or banish the persistent thoughts.
Obsessive compulsive disorders are part of the anxiety disorders group:
- Obsessions are unwanted thoughts based on fears. Examples might be thoughts about dirt, disease or something bad happening.
- Compulsions are the fear-based behaviours and an overwhelming urge to do activities which can include repeating, checking and counting. Examples might be washing hands often, cleaning, putting things in a special order, checking, and constantly asking for reassurance. There can be rituals and routines that need to be followed.
- Even when the person realises that they are having problems, they are not able to stop thinking about or needing to do the tasks.
These organisations provide information and support for family members, friends, and carers of a person with obsessive compulsive disorder.