Symptoms of OCD
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is characterised by the presence of obsessions and/or compulsions that cause significant distress and interfere with your daily life. Obsessions are intrusive and persistent thoughts, urges, or images that create anxiety or discomfort. Common obsessions can include fears of contamination, excessive doubts, intrusive thoughts of harm, and a need for symmetry or order. Compulsions are repetitive behaviours or mental acts that you might perform to reduce anxiety or prevent a feared outcome. Examples of compulsions include excessive hand washing, checking rituals, counting or repeating certain words, and arranging objects in specific ways. If you have OCD, you may experience a sense of distress if you’re unable to carry out these compulsions as a coping mechanism.