Do I Have OCD? What Exactly is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder?

Last reviewed by

Dr. Sheri Jacobson May 6, 2025

OCD Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Counselling London “I’m so OCD.” It’s a phrase that’s become all too common when someone means they’re detail-orientated or a perfectionist. But true Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is far more than a preference for neatness—it’s a distressing, often debilitating mental health condition.

What is OCD, really?

OCD stands for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. It’s characterised by a pattern of unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours or mental rituals (compulsions) that individuals feel driven to perform. These patterns can significantly interfere with daily life, work, and relationships.

Like many mental health conditions, OCD exists on a spectrum. Some individuals may have mild symptoms, while for others, OCD can be extremely severe and time-consuming, making it difficult to function day-to-day.

OCD Obsessions

Obsessions are persistent and unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that cause anxiety or distress. Even though someone with OCD usually recognises that these thoughts are irrational or don’t reflect reality, they still feel a powerful need to respond to them.

By: Michael Pollak

Common categories of obsessions include:

Contamination and germs — such as fears about touching doorknobs, using public toilets, or catching illness from everyday contact
Symmetry or exactness
Fear of harming others or oneself
Fear of making a mistake or being responsible for harm
Intrusive sexual thoughts
Religious or moral obsessions
Fear of losing or discarding items

Obsessions can feel intrusive and uncontrollable. In more severe cases, these thoughts may even become delusional, which is a sign that immediate professional help is needed.

OCD Compulsions

Compulsions are the actions someone with OCD feels they must perform to try to relieve the anxiety caused by their obsessions. These behaviours can be physical or mental, and although they may offer temporary relief, they often reinforce the cycle of OCD.

Common compulsions include:

Washing or cleaning (decontamination)
Ordering and arranging objects
Repeating actions or phrases
Checking things repeatedly (such as locks, appliances, or body parts)
Mental rituals, like counting, praying, or mentally reviewing events

Often, the person with OCD knows that these rituals are excessive or illogical, but still feels unable to stop.

Do I have OCD?

If you’re experiencing repetitive, distressing thoughts and find yourself engaging in rituals or behaviours to try to neutralise those thoughts, it may be time to seek support. OCD can feel isolating and exhausting, but it is a treatable condition—with evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and sometimes medication playing a key role in recovery.

At Harley Therapy, experienced Counselling Psychologists and Consultant Psychiatrists offer evidence-based treatment for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. We provide support in Central London, with clinics in Harley Street, the City, and Canary Wharf, and also offer online therapy sessions for those based elsewhere in the UK.