Obsessive-compulsive disorder involves obsessions — unwanted, distressing thoughts, images or urges that keep coming back — and compulsions, the things a person feels driven to do to reduce the distress.
OCD is not the same as liking things tidy. It takes up a lot of time and causes real distress.
Common signs
- Intrusive thoughts that feel disturbing and out of character
- Repeated checking, washing, counting or arranging
- Seeking reassurance over and over
- Avoiding situations that trigger the thoughts
- Rituals that take a lot of time each day
Having some of these does not mean you have ocd. Only a qualified professional can make a diagnosis.
When to get help
If thoughts or rituals take up a lot of time, cause distress, or get in the way of daily life, talk to a professional. OCD is very treatable.
In crisis right now? Call Tele-MANAS on 14416 (free, 24x7) or 112 in an emergency. More helplines
What helps
Exposure and response prevention (ERP)
A form of CBT where you gradually face triggers without doing the compulsion, so the anxiety learns to settle on its own.
Medication
A psychiatrist may recommend medication, often alongside ERP.
Something to try today
- When anxiety rises, slow your breathing instead of acting on the urge.Guided breathing →
Talk to someone at Emoraa
Certified psychologists, online, in your language. These formats help with ocd:
- Individual Therapy50 minutes
- Psychiatry & Medication30 minutes
Questions people ask
No. In OCD, the thoughts are distressing precisely because they go against what you want.