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What is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?
OCD is an anxiety disorder, characterised by the presence of recurring intrusive and unwanted thoughts, images, or impulses - obsessions and repetitive behavioural and mental rituals - compulsions. People with OCD are usually aware that their symptoms are irrational and excessive, but they find the obsessions uncontrollable and the compulsions difficult or impossible to resist.

What are the symptoms?
Obsessions and compulsions are distressing, exhausting, take up a lot of time, and can significantly interfere with the person's family and social relationships, daily routines, education or working life. Common obsessions include: fear or contamination from germs, dirt, etc; fears of harm to self or others; intrusive sexual thoughts or images; concerns with symmetry, illness or religious issues; an intense, irrational fear of everyday objects and situations (phobia). Common compulsions include: washing; cleaning; checking; hoarding; touching; counting; and repeating routine activities and actions.

What causes OCD?
The causes are not fully understood. Research indicates that OCD may be related to chemical, structural and functional abnormalities in the brain. Genetic and hereditary factors may also play a role in the development of OCD. It is likely that each person's OCD is the result of several interacting factors and is affected by stressful life events, hormonal changes and personality traits.

How many people develop OCD?
About three in every hundred people will develop OCD at some time in their lives - that is more than 450,000 Australians.

How is OCD treated?
Treatment can help people manage obsessions and compulsions, to reduce or even eliminate the symptoms of OCD. Currently the most effective treatments are medication, cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), community support and recovery programs. A combination of treatments, a skilled and experienced clinician, support and education are likely to produce the best outcome.

• Medication
  Certain medications assist the brain to restore its usual chemical balance and help control the obsessions and compulsions. 

• Cognitive behaviour therapy
  A doctor, psychologist or other health professional talks with the person about their symptoms, and discusses alternative ways of thinking about and coping with them.

• Community support programs
  Support groups provide an environment where people with OCD and their families can meet to give and receive support. Information is provided, along with self-help and coping strategies. Under-standing and acceptance by the community is also very important.

 
How do I find out more?
It is important to ask your doctor about any concerns you have. SANE Australia also produces a range of easy-to-read publications and multimedia resources on mental illness. For more information about this topic see:

The SANE Guide to Medication and other Treatments
Explains how all the different aspects of treatment work, by looking at clinical care, medication, support in the community and helping yourself.

To order visit the SANE Bookshop at www.sane.org or call 1800 18 SANE (7263)

SANE Australia . . . Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

©SANE Factsheet 8
This Factsheet may be freely downloaded, copied and distributed on condition no change is made to the contents. SANE Australia is not responsible for any actions taken as a result of information or opinions contained in the Factsheet. [Version English, 2005]