Key points
- OCD is marked by uncontrollable and recurring thoughts, repetitive and excessive behaviours, or both.
- OCD can be distressing and significantly interfere with daily life.
- Treatment can help keep OCD under control.
Symptoms
An obsession is an unwanted and unpleasant thought, image or urge that repeatedly enters the mind and causes anxiety, disgust or unease. A compulsion is a repetitive behaviour or mental act carried out to relieve those feelings temporarily. These thoughts differ from everyday worries. The cycle can be exhausting. The relief does not last, and the obsessive thought can return. Obsessions can feel alien or shameful. Common themes include contamination, fear of causing harm, or a need for symmetry. Rituals can take the form of washing, lock-checking, ordering objects, counting silently or asking others for reassurance. Some people know the ritual does not make sense, yet stopping without support feels very hard.
How OCD is treated
Treatment includes cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and medication. Medicines used in OCD include paroxetine (ingredient page), sertraline (ingredient page), clomipramine (ingredient page) and fluoxetine (ingredient page). Paroxetine comes as 10, 20, 30 and 40 mg tablets; sertraline as 25, 50 and 100 mg tablets; clomipramine as 10, 25 and 50 mg tablets; and fluoxetine as 10, 20 and 60 mg capsules. Several belong to the antidepressants group. Some are also used for major depressive disorder, panic disorder or generalised anxiety disorder. Orders are shipped to Malaysia by pharmacy partners in India in discreet packaging.
When to seek help
If obsessive thoughts keep returning and affect daily life, speak to a doctor for support or referral to a specialist mental health team. A mental health assessment can help clarify what is happening and what treatment may suit.
What the sources say
- CBT usually has an effect quite quickly, while SSRIs can take up to 12 weeks before benefits are noticed. (NHS)
- Without proper treatment and support, OCD is unlikely to improve. (NHS)
Further reading