Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

OCD is an anxiety disorder in which the person experiences either obsessions or compulsions, but often both.  Recent studies estimate that between 1 and 3 % of the population experience OCD. As with many other mental health conditions, OCD often develops during adolescence and any individual who has experienced OCD before is more likely to experience it again during periods of high stress or change, such as exams, starting university or becoming a parent. We also know that if you who has have experienced OCD before you are more likely to experience OCD again during periods of high stress or change, such as exams, starting university or becoming a parent.  

What is an obsession? 

• An obsession is an unwanted thought, image or urge that the person experiences repeatedly. 
•  In OCD, they are often experienced as being outside of the person’s control and cause distress, as the content of the obsessions tends to be at odds with someone’s moral compass and values. 
• Some of the most common obsessions to experience include having a thought such as ‘what if I just drove my car off the side of the road’ or an image of something bad such as an injury or an accident happening to a loved one or an urge to shout out something rude on inappropriate during a work meeting’.  
• In OCD, when someone experiences an obsession they often, understandably, feel driven to try and get rid of the distress caused by the obsession and to try and prevent the content of the obsession from happening. This can lead to the development of compulsions.  

What is a compulsion? 

• Compulsions are behaviors or mental actions that the person completes, often regularly and repeatedly, in response to the obsessions they experience.  
• Some compulsions are overt and can be seen by others, such as repeatedly checking whether they have locked a door or a covert mental action such as counting to a certain number in their mind.  

OCD is a complex and often distressing condition that can be difficult to manage without professional support. At Sage, we offer a range of evidence-based OCD services to help people with OCD overcome their symptoms and lead a better life. Our OCD services are designed to provide comprehensive support for individuals with OCD, their families, and their caregivers.

Who would benefit from support for OCD?  

You might benefit from our OCD’ services if you:

• Have received a diagnosis of OCD and you feel distressed by the symptoms and would like support to overcome your OCD.
• We all experience obsessions, they are normal. However, if you are distressed by the obsessions and/or compulsions you are experiencing you could benefit from professional support to help you better understand and overcome your OCD.  
• If you notice that the obsessions and/or compulsions are occupying a lot of your time on a regular basis, you could benefit from support to reclaim your life and reduce the impact OCD is having on your life.