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Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

Obsessive-compulsive disorder involves unwanted recurring thoughts, images or urges and/or compulsions that temporarily reduce anxiety but keep the cycle going. It goes beyond a preference for order or perfectionism. Cognitive behavioural therapy with exposure and response prevention is an important treatment; a doctor may add medicines.

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  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) involves obsessions, compulsions or both and causes clear distress, lost time or limitations.
  • Many people have intrusive thoughts; in OCD, the thought is given excessive meaning and a cycle of doubt and ritual follows.
  • A thought about harm is different from a wish or intention to cause harm.
  • Cognitive behavioural therapy with exposure and response prevention, or ERP, is a first-choice treatment.
  • Certain antidepressants may help, but starting, increasing and stopping them require a doctor and take time.
  • Recovery does not mean every unwanted thought disappears, but that thoughts have less authority and impact.

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Further reading

Browse A–Z
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Social anxiety disorderSocial anxiety disorder involves a strong, persistent fear of being judged negatively or humiliated. Avoidance often maintains the anxiety. Cognitive behavioural therapy is an important effective treatment.
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Panic disorderIn panic disorder, unexpected panic attacks recur and the person remains afraid of further attacks or their consequences. Treatment with cognitive behavioural therapy and sometimes medicines often helps.
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Generalised anxiety disorderWith generalised anxiety disorder, you worry excessively about different areas of life on many days and find it hard to stop worrying. Anxiety often comes with restlessness, muscle tension, fatigue and problems concentrating and sleeping. It is not a weakness of character: treatment, including cognitive behavioural therapy and sometimes medicines, can help considerably.