Typically OCD sufferers feel like they have no control over certain thoughts, idea or urges, which
Seem to push themselves into your forefront o f the mind. These obsessions can be frightening or
distressing, and are often difficult to express to their friends or family.
The obsession is linked to the person’s belief that something awful may happen regardless how
Bizarre, absurd or unrealistic that belief may be. As you cannot consciously dismiss it with reasoning
the answer may well lie within the sub-conscious, where you cannot get at it normally. With it comes
anxiety and an uncontrollable urge to perform some form of ritual which will prevent the dire
consequences occurring or remove the doom laden thoughts.
The irresistible urge to carry out such rituals is known as a 'compulsion'. The form this takes could
be anything, any form of ‘magical rite’ that dispels the danger. It could be something as simple as
opening and closing a door, washing hands, repeating a litany, or counting. Usually over exaggerated
Things that we all do in our everyday life. If for some reason you perform the ritual incorrectly then you
will have to start over from the beginning. However whatever relief is obtained will only be of a temp-
-orary nature and the ritual will have to be repeated again and again.
As with all anxiety disorders the symptoms are similar;
Like Panic and Anxiety disorders the experience is self perpetuating,progressively getting worse.
Most of us have little compulsions like avoiding black cats, or throwing salt over our shoulders, it is
estimated that 80% of us have similar minor compulsive actions.
Signs to look for:
Unnecessary washing , repeating actions, checking , touching , counting, ordering or arranging ,
hoarding or saving and praying
You may well be aware that y our actions are not ‘normal’, but for reasons such like shame may
prevent you getting help.
Common obsessions:
Fearing contamination -- imagining doing harm -- fearing your aggressive urges -- intrusive sexual
impulses -- excessive doubts -- 'forbidden' thoughts -- needing things to be perfect -- needing to
confess something
There is a cause, find the cause, remove it, and the symptoms go away for good.
There is a cause, find the cause, remove it, and the symptoms go away for good.
