OCD
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a cycle of unwanted, intrusive thoughts, images, or urges (obsessions) and the rituals, mental acts, or reassurance (compulsions) used to neutralize the distress they cause.
How it can show up
- Intrusive, unwanted thoughts that feel disturbing or “not like me”
- Compulsions: checking, washing, counting, repeating, or mental reviewing
- Seeking reassurance or googling to feel certain
- Avoiding triggers that set off the thoughts
- Knowing the fear may be excessive but feeling unable to resist the ritual
What is OCD?
OCD affects people across every theme — contamination, harm, “just right” feelings, relationships, religion, and taboo intrusive thoughts. The intrusions themselves are common to almost everyone; in OCD, it’s the catastrophic meaning attached to them, and the effort to neutralize them, that creates the disorder.
What keeps OCD going?
Cognitive models (Salkovskis, 1985; Rachman, 1997) show that OCD is maintained not by the intrusive thought but by how it’s appraised — often through an inflated sense of responsibility and a need for certainty. Compulsions and reassurance bring momentary relief, which powerfully reinforces them and teaches the brain that the danger was real and the ritual is what kept you safe.
How therapy helps
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is the gold-standard, first-line treatment for OCD, recommended by clinical guidelines worldwide. We build a personalized hierarchy and gradually face triggers while resisting compulsions, so your brain learns the feared outcome doesn’t occur and the anxiety settles on its own. Learn more on the ERP page.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best treatment for OCD?
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), a specialized form of cognitive-behavioural therapy, is the gold-standard, first-line treatment for OCD and is recommended by major clinical guidelines.
Are intrusive thoughts a sign something is wrong with me?
No. Unwanted intrusive thoughts are extremely common and are not a reflection of your character or intentions. In OCD, the problem is the distress and the meaning attached to them, not the thoughts themselves.
Does talking therapy alone treat OCD?
General talk therapy is usually not sufficient for OCD. The evidence strongly supports ERP — actively and gradually facing triggers while resisting compulsions — as the most effective psychological treatment.
Selected clinical references
The approach to this concern is informed by established clinical models and treatment guidelines, including:
- Salkovskis, P. M. (1985). Obsessional-compulsive problems: A cognitive-behavioural analysis.
- Rachman, S. (1997). A cognitive theory of obsessions.
- Foa, E. B., & Kozak, M. J. (1986). Emotional processing of fear: Exposure to corrective information.
- NICE (2005). Obsessive-compulsive disorder and body dysmorphic disorder (CG31).