UNDERSTANDING
Obsessive compulsive disorder is more nuanced than the “dirtphobic” characterisation it has been given by the media, and interventions by occupational therapists can be incredibly helpful in allowing clients or patients to managing day-to-day activities
O
bsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition that is much misunderstood by the general public. People are not all “just a little OCD”; nor is the disorder solely about compulsively washing hands or cleaning, although that can indeed represent part of some people who live with OCD’s experiences. At its most basic level, a person who lives with OCD will experience obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviours. Per the NHS, OCD can affect anyone, but symptoms will usually appear in early adulthood - but it can start affecting people during puberty or even childhood. Obsessive compulsive disorder is distressing, and it can prevent people from living full, independent lives at its worst. Obsessive thinking is the first aspect of OCD: it is not simply being obsessed - in the way we use the word casually to mean we really like something. Rather, obsessive thoughts, images, or impulses will intrude constantly within their minds, and can be challenging or disturbing to the person experiencing them. These can manifest in any number of ways: obsessive thoughts may indeed relate to germs, and be obsessively concerned with contaminating things with dirt or germs. People may even struggle with obsessive thoughts about their loved ones, or more violent or sex-related obsessive thoughts.
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