Obsessive compulsive and related disorders are characterised by obsessive, intrusive and repetitive worrying thoughts, images or urges. These trigger related mental and physical compulsive behaviours or activities that are repeated in an ordered way to neutralise the associated anxiety or distress (e.g. washing, cleaning, arranging, checking, eating). There is relief experienced in the short term by engaging in the compulsions; however the anxiety is soon felt again, resulting in the need to repeat the actions.
Typically, our thoughts are helpful and influence our behaviour in adaptive ways, such as when we wonder whether we locked the car door and then go back to make sure we did. However, for individuals experiencing OCD, these thoughts, feelings and behaviours are unwanted, unreasonable or excessive, and interfere with normal daily functioning. For example,…