OCD: Obsessions, Compulsions and Treatment

Obsessions and compulsions

• Fear of contamination, harm, mistakes, losing control, or something terrible happening
• Unwanted religious, sexual or aggressive thoughts that cause distress
• Excessive washing, checking, arranging, counting, repeating words or seeking reassurance
• Rituals that bring short relief but keep the cycle going
• Symptoms that consume significant time, cause distress or interfere with daily life

What treatment may involve

Effective treatment is available. A trained professional may recommend cognitive behavioural therapy, particularly exposure and response prevention (ERP), medication, or both. Treatment is planned gradually and collaboratively.

• Do not attempt intense exposure exercises without appropriate guidance
• Take prescribed medication consistently; benefits may take time
• Tell the clinician about side effects and do not stop medicine suddenly

How family can help

• Listen without judging the content of intrusive thoughts
• Avoid repeatedly providing reassurance or completing rituals for the person; ask the treating professional how to reduce this support gradually
• Praise effort and progress rather than demanding immediate control
• Support sleep, routine and attendance at treatment

When to seek urgent help

Get urgent help if distress leads to suicidal intent, self-injury, inability to eat or drink, dangerous cleaning or checking, or complete loss of daily functioning.