Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic (long-term) mental health
condition that is usually associated with obsessive thoughts and compulsive
behaviour. An obssesion is an unwanted, unpleasant thought, image or urge that repeatedly enters a persons mind in anxiety.
The obsession in OCD is unpleasant and frightening. The person feels they need to carry out their compulsion in order to prevent their obsession coming true.
OCD is one of the most common mental health conditions. It is estimated that up to 3 in 100 adults and 5 in 100 children have OCD. OCD normally starts in early adult life, with men normally reporting earlier symptoms than women. However OCD can begin at any time in life.
The causes of OCD is unknown.
