Obsessive compulsive disorder means being obsessed by ‘persistent ideas, thoughts, impulses, or images that cause marked anxiety or distress’ (APA 1994). Unlike generalised anxiety disorder which is based upon ‘real life’ concerns, the obsessive thoughts can be a fear of contamination by germs, or a fear that the person might harm other people, or act in a socially unacceptable way. The person may experience a cued attack when confronted with their particular fear, such as a fear of contamination by germs.
In an attempt to reduce the anxiety or to ease the fears, people often develop compulsive rituals which may take up the
entire day. People may wash their hands or brush their teeth until their hands or mouth bleed. Others may have to have everything arranged in a particular way, or the person may have to re-do certain jobs a number of times. They may feel the need to repeat a name or a phrase constantly. Others may continually check to see if they have locked their house or car, or if they have turned off their domestic appliances. Some people begin to hoard unwanted or useless items. These compulsions can be so severe that the-person becomes totally restricted by them and is unable to lead a normal life.
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