Understanding OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder)

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What is OCD & why is it a problem?

What is OCD? Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health disorder that affects people of all ages and walks of life, and occurs when a person gets caught in a cycle of obsessions and compulsions . Obsessions are unwanted, intrusive thoughts, images, or urges that trigger intensely distressing feelings.

What are OCD compulsions?

OCD compulsions are repetitive behaviors that you feel driven to do. These repetitive behaviors or mental acts are meant to reduce anxiety related to your obsessions or prevent something bad from happening. But taking part in the compulsions brings no pleasure and may offer only limited relief from anxiety.

What are OCD obsessions?

OCD obsessions are lasting and unwanted thoughts that keeping coming back or urges or images that are intrusive and cause distress or anxiety. You might try to ignore them or get rid of them by acting based on ritual. These obsessions usually intrude when you're trying to think of or do other things. Fear of contamination or dirt.

What does OCD stand for?

As a not-for-profit and joint initiative of St Vincent’s Hospital and the University of New South Wales, our mission is to reduce the burden of mental illness by providing accessible online treatment for anxiety disorders and related mental health conditions. What is Obsessive Comulsive Disorder (OCD)?

What Is OCD

1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/obsessive-compulsive-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20354432
2. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd
3. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd
4. https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/obsessive-compulsive-disorder/what-is-obsessive-compulsive-disorder
5. https://iocdf.org/about-OCD/
6. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/obsessivecompulsive-disorder-ocd
7. https://psychcentral.com/ocd/ocd-overview
8. https://qbi.uq.edu.au/brain/diseases-and-disorders/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd
9. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9490-ocd-obsessive-compulsive-disorder

OCD Information

1. https://psychology.org.au/for-the-public/psychology-topics/obsessive-compulsive-disorder
2. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/obsessive-compulsive-disorder
3. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-01-29/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-diagnosis-treatment-management/101828688
4. https://thiswayup.org.au/learning-hub/obsessions-and-compulsions-explained/
5. https://www.msdmanuals.com/en-au/home/mental-health-disorders/obsessive-compulsive-and-related-disorders/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd