Mental Health and Wellbeing Information

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

What is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder?

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a condition where a person has obsessive thoughts and compulsive activity.

An obsession is an unwanted and unpleasant thought, image or urge that repeatedly enters a person's mind, causing feelings of anxiety, disgust or unease.

A compulsion is a repetitive behaviour that a person feels they need to carry out to try and temporarily relieve the unpleasant feelings brought on by the obsessive thought.

OCD symptoms can range from mild to severe. Some people with OCD may spend an hour or so a day engaged in obsessive-compulsive thinking and behaviour, but for others the condition can completely take over their life.

Most individuals with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders fall into five categories:

  • Washers – fear contamination and usually have cleaning compulsions
  • Checkers – repeatedly check things, for example; ovens, irons
  • Doubters and Sinners – fear terrible things will happen if everything is not perfect
  • Counters and Arrangers – ruled by magical thinking and superstitions
  • Hoarders – can’t throw things away, if they do terrible things will happen

Symptoms of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Common Obsessions

  • A need for orderliness or symetry
  • Fear of contamination by disease or infection
  • Fear of harming yourself or others, by mistake or accident
  • Fear of deliberately harming yourself or others

Compulsive Behaviour

  • Cleaning and handwashing
  • Checking
  • Counting
  • Ordering and Arranging
  • Hoarding
  • Repeating words silently
  • Asking for reassurance

Some people with OCD may also have or develop other mental health conditions such as;

  • Depression
  • Generalised Anxiety Disorder

Possible Impacts in the Workplace

  • Timekeeping issues, being late for work on a regular basis
  • Unable to leave home due to carrying out rituals, for example; checking doors, windows, electrical switches
  • Increased sickness absence
  • Large amounts of unaccounted time that the person is spending at work
  • Repeatedly carrying out the same task again and again
  • Straightforward tasks taking longer than usual
  • Constant questioning of self judgement
  • Excessive need for reassurance
  • Extreme emotional reactions
  • Increased concern for minor detail
  • Excessive cleaning of desk and equipment

How can I help myself?

If you think you have symptoms of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), contact your GP or have a discussion with your line manager who may refer you to Occupational Health.

You can access our self help page for advice and tips: How can I maintain positive mental health & wellbeing