Sometimes the behaviour is quite irrational, such as counting up in sevens for seven minutes. Sometimes the behaviour is more closely related to the obsessional thought such as washing hands many times to avoid contamination.
Most people with OCD know that their compulsions are irrational or “over the top”, but they feel unable to control their thoughts or change their behaviour.
OCD affects people in a number of ways, such as the following:
What we think:
- Obsessions
- Guilty thoughts
How we feel:
- Tension
- Anxiety
- Agitation
What we do:
- Compulsion
- Avoidance
- Seeking reassurance
Most people who have OCD find that there is a pattern in their thoughts, feelings and actions. They feel anxiety or discomfort at having the obsession and relief once they have carried out the compulsive act. This becomes a vicious cycle which strengthens itself and becomes more likely to happen again.