Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder or OCD is a psychological disorder which affects up to 3 per cent of the general population.
Typically, a person with OCD will have repeated thoughts or behaviours or both, which take up a lot of their time and consequently affect their ability to function normally. In many cases, a compulsive act (such as counting, avoiding or checking) will be performed to reduce the anxiety caused by an obsessive thought (I am in danger).
Although these compulsive behaviours can bring some relief to the anxiety caused by the obsessive thought, they do not eliminate it. Hence, this can become a repeating cycle. A common example is repetitive hand washing, which is a compulsive behaviour put into motion by the anxious feelings and obsessive thoughts about the danger of germs and poor hygiene.
These thoughts, feelings and behaviours can become very uncomfortable, and start to affect our relationships and performance at home and at work.
Treatment can be sought from health professionals, such as psychiatrists and psychologists.
