Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

• Repeated, unwanted thoughts about contamination, harm, or needing things “just right”
• Spending hours checking locks, switches, or appliances multiple times
• Excessive hand-washing, cleaning, or repeating actions until they “feel right”
• Intrusive thoughts that feel disturbing or against your values
• Needing to arrange or organise things in a very specific way to reduce distress
• Mental rituals like counting, praying, or repeating words silently to neutralise fear
• Avoiding places, people, or situations that trigger obsessive thoughts
• Feeling intense guilt or shame about your thoughts, even when you know they're irrational

• Genetics: OCD often runs in families, suggesting a biological or hereditary component
• Brain chemistry: Imbalances in serotonin levels can affect how the brain manages thoughts and impulses
• Personality traits: Perfectionism, high responsibility, or anxiety-prone temperaments can increase vulnerability
• Trauma or stress: Major life events, childhood experiences, or prolonged stress can trigger or worsen symptoms
• Learned behaviours: Repeated associations between certain actions and relief can reinforce compulsive patterns over time

Untreated OCD can lead to:

• Severe anxiety, depression, and emotional exhaustion from constantly fighting intrusive thoughts
• Breakdown of relationships due to withdrawal, secrecy, or demanding others participate in rituals
• Loss of productivity at work or school because of time spent on compulsions
• Physical effects like skin damage from washing, sleep disruption, or chronic stress-related health issues
• Complete isolation and inability to leave home or function in social settings