

Use a self-help program: From workbooks and online exercises to smartphone apps, there are plenty of self-help tools you can use to monitor your obsessive thought patterns and learn to stop them in their tracks.Research suggests that vigorous exercise can even reduce the severity of OCD symptoms. Exercise regularly: Staying physically active may help you burn off excess energy and keep your mind off of your obsessions.To improve your sleep quality, practice healthy sleep habits like going to bed at the same time every night and turning off your phone an hour before bedtime. Practice good sleep habits: Insomnia often exacerbates intrusive thoughts.If you have OCD, it may be best to limit your intake of drugs and alcohol as much as possible. In turn, excessive alcohol use worsens OCD symptoms. Avoid drugs and alcohol: Many people with OCD also have a substance use disorder (SUD).Find support: Participating in peer support groups for people with OCD or intrusive thoughts can help you feel less alone and connect you to valuable resources.These include mental health conditions, such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and major depressive disorder (MDD), as well as tic disorders like Tourette’s syndrome (TS). Other conditions: An estimated 69% of people with OCD have one or more comorbid (coexisting) conditions.Brain abnormalities: Imaging studies conducted on people with OCD have revealed hyperactivity in areas of the brain that are involved in impulse control, emotional regulation, and decision-making.


Trauma: Experiencing trauma, such as abuse or betrayal, is a significant risk factor for OCD.Genetics: According to twin studies, about 45%–65% of OCD symptoms can be attributed to genetic factors.so much that it interferes with your work or relationships.An irrational sense of disgust about sexual activity.Obsessive fears about harm occurring to yourself or someone else can lead to an overwhelming need to do things such as repeatedly check: Hoarding things - such as junk mail and old newspapers.Repeatedly counting items or objects - such as your clothes or pavement blocks when you’re walking.Obsession with order or symmetry – for example, an overwhelming need to do things in a particular pattern or put objects in particular places.Obsessive hand-washing or cleaning because you’re afraid of germs.Obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviours can be about a wide range of issues. find that these thoughts and actions make it hard to do everyday activities, like working, studying or seeing friends and family.spend more than one hour a day thinking repetitive thoughts or constantly repeating actions.You may also recognise that these feelings, thoughts and behaviours are unreasonable. You might feel relieved in the short term by doing these things, but soon feel the need to repeat them. constantly repeat the same activity exactly the same way.have repetitive thoughts or worries that aren’t rational.The list of common symptoms on this page can help you decide whether you need to take the next step and seek support. Only a psychologist or psychiatrist can diagnose OCD. Children as young as 6 or 7 may have symptoms and it’s common for OCD to develop fully for the first time in adolescence. OCD can occur at any time during your life. around 3 per cent experience it in any 12 month period.around 3 per cent of Australians experience OCD in their lifetime.Feeling an overwhelming need to wash your hands every time you’ve touched anything at all is unhelpful. Remembering to wash your hands before you eat is helpful and keeps you safe. Or something terrible will happen is unhelpful. However, having intrusive thoughts that you need to check the locks exactly six times For example, thinking “Did I lock the door?” and checking once before you go to sleep can help keep you safe. Worrying about some things can be helpful. It can lead to social disability, such as children unable to go to school or It’s a serious condition that can make it hard to get through everyday activities. OCD isn’t about keeping your house tidy or liking things to be neat and orderly.
