Last reviewed: September 2026
What is OCD?
OCD involves a repeating cycle: an obsession (an unwanted thought, image, or urge) causes intense anxiety or distress, which is temporarily relieved by carrying out a compulsion (a repeated behaviour or mental act). The relief doesn’t last, so the cycle begins again.
Almost everyone has occasional intrusive thoughts, such as wondering if they locked the door. But OCD becomes a problem when these thoughts and the behaviours used to manage them take up significant time each day and start to interfere with work, relationships, or daily life.
OCD can centre on different themes, though the underlying cycle is the same:
- Contamination – fear of germs, dirt, or illness.
- Checking – fear of causing harm through carelessness, such as leaving an appliance on.
- Symmetry and order – a need for things to be arranged or done in a particular way.
- Intrusive taboo thoughts – distressing unwanted thoughts, often violent or of a sexual nature, which do not reflect what a person actually wants or believes.
What causes OCD?
The exact cause isn’t known. A combination of factors is thought to play a part, including a family history of OCD, differences in brain chemistry, and life circumstances.
Stressful or traumatic life events can sometimes trigger the start of symptoms in someone already prone to the condition.
Common symptoms of OCD
Obsessions (intrusive thoughts)
- Fear of contamination, germs, or illness.
- Fear of accidentally causing harm to yourself or others.
- A strong need for symmetry, order, or exactness.
- Unwanted, distressing thoughts that feel out of character.
Compulsions (behaviours to ease the anxiety)
- Repeated checking, such as locks or appliances.
- Excessive cleaning or handwashing.
- Repeating actions, counting, or arranging items a set way.
- Seeking frequent reassurance from other people.
Compulsions bring only short-term relief. Over time, they tend to reinforce the cycle rather than resolve it, which is why treatment focuses on breaking the pattern rather than managing it alone.
What can help with OCD?
A GP can talk through your symptoms and refer you for treatment – and in many areas, you can also self-refer directly to an NHS talking therapies service without going through a GP first.
Talking therapies: the main recommended treatment is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), usually a specific form called Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). This involves gradually facing feared situations while resisting the urge to carry out compulsions, with a therapist’s support. It’s best done with a trained professional rather than attempted alone, as it can be distressing if not paced correctly.
Medication: antidepressants known as SSRIs are sometimes prescribed, either alongside therapy or on their own, and can help reduce the intensity of symptoms.
Self-care, as a supplement to treatment: these steps don’t replace professional support, but some people find they help alongside it.
- Keeping a regular sleep routine.
- Reducing alcohol and caffeine, which can heighten anxiety.
- Spending time in green space or on gentle exercise.
- Noticing when you’re seeking reassurance from others.
- Naming the thought: when an intrusive thought appears, silently labelling it as “an OCD thought” rather than engaging with it can help create some distance, without needing to argue with or suppress it.
Learn more about OCD
- NHS overview of OCD, symptoms, causes and treatment
- Mind’s information on OCD and support options
- OCD Action – UK charity dedicated to supporting people affected by OCD
Get support with OCD
Whatever you are going through, you are not alone.
Response can only support people who come to us through an NHS or local authority referral, so we’ve gathered helplines and organisations you can contact directly for support with your mental health, including services available 24/7.