Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Understanding the Cycle of Anxiety and Compulsion
What Is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental-health condition characterised by a pattern of unwanted, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive actions or mental rituals (compulsions) performed to relieve distress.
OCD isn’t simply about liking things clean or organised. It’s an anxiety-driven condition that can feel exhausting, confusing, and difficult to control — often leading to significant distress or disruption to daily life.
Understanding Obsessions
Obsessions are recurring, intrusive thoughts, images, or urges that cause intense anxiety or discomfort.
They often go against a person’s values or sense of self — which makes them even more distressing.
Common obsessions include:
Fears of contamination or germs
Doubts about safety (“Did I lock the door?”)
Fear of harming yourself or others
Intrusive sexual, violent, or blasphemous thoughts
Need for symmetry, order, or exactness
Fear of making a mistake or causing catastrophe
It’s important to note that having intrusive thoughts does not mean someone wants to act on them — these thoughts are symptoms of anxiety, not intent.
Understanding Compulsions
Compulsions are repetitive actions or mental rituals performed to reduce anxiety or prevent something bad from happening.
They provide temporary relief — but over time, reinforce the cycle of fear and avoidance.
Common compulsions include:
Excessive cleaning or handwashing
Checking locks, appliances, or messages repeatedly
Repeating words, prayers, or numbers mentally
Arranging or ordering objects until they “feel right”
Seeking reassurance from others
Avoiding people, places, or objects that trigger anxiety
This cycle can consume hours each day and lead to shame, fatigue, and isolation.
What Causes OCD?
The exact cause of OCD isn’t fully understood, but research points to a combination of factors:
Biological: Differences in brain circuits regulating fear and control
Genetic: Family history may increase vulnerability
Psychological: Perfectionism, over-responsibility, or intolerance of uncertainty
Environmental: Stressful or traumatic events can trigger or worsen symptoms
Regardless of the cause, OCD is a treatable condition, and effective help is available.
How a Psychologist Can Help
Treatment for OCD focuses on helping you break the cycle of obsession and compulsion, learn to tolerate uncertainty, and reduce anxiety’s control over your life.
Evidence-based therapies include:
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP): The gold-standard therapy for OCD. It involves gradual, supported exposure to feared thoughts or situations while resisting the urge to perform compulsions.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Helps identify and challenge unhelpful beliefs driving the anxiety cycle.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Builds mindfulness and acceptance of intrusive thoughts without engaging with them.
Medication: In some cases, antidepressant medication prescribed by a GP or psychiatrist can complement psychological treatment.
With consistent therapy, many people experience a significant reduction in distress and regain a sense of control and calm.
What Recovery Looks Like
Recovery from OCD doesn’t mean never having intrusive thoughts again — everyone has them.
It means learning to respond differently: allowing thoughts to exist without reacting, neutralising, or avoiding them.
Over time, anxiety fades naturally, and compulsive urges lose power.
Healing also involves rebuilding confidence, reconnecting with daily life, and cultivating self-compassion after years of internal struggle.
Support from Psych Sami & Co
At Psych Sami & Co our psychologists provide evidence-based, trauma-informed therapy for OCD and anxiety disorders.
We offer online sessions Australia-wide through secure telehealth platforms, helping you understand your thoughts, manage compulsions, and regain peace of mind.
