Navigation
[TITLE]

[MESSAGE]

[BUTTONS]

Popular questions...

Content

What is an obsession?

An obsession is a recurring and unwanted thought, idea, image or impulse that generally occurs in someone with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Obsessive thoughts are often intrusive and may be constantly on a person's mind. This can be distressing and lead to considerable anxiety.

FAQ Frequently asked questions

What is obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)?

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder. It is characterised by unwanted and intrusive thoughts, known as obsessions, and repetitive or compulsive behaviour.

What are compulsions?

Compulsions are behaviours that are carried out according to specific rules. Compulsions are common in people with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). A person with OCD may feel an intense need to carry out certain compulsions to try and relieve anxiety that builds …

What causes obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)?

It is not known exactly what causes obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). As with many mental illnesses, it is thought that chemical, structural and functional abnormalities in the brain may contribute to the development of OCD. It is also …

How is obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) treated?

Unfortunately, there is no cure for obsessive compulsive disorder. There are treatment options that are available to help people with OCD manage or eliminate their symptoms. The most effective treatment involves a combination of …

Is there a cure for obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)?

Unfortunately, there is no known cure for obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). There are medications and therapy treatments available that can help people manage their symptoms.

What are the symptoms of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)?

The main signs of obsessive compulsive disorder are recurring intrusive thoughts and images, known as obsessions, and repetitive behaviours, known as compulsions. Common obsessions for people with OCD include fear of being …

What is the difference between a worry and an obsession?

A worry usually involves a real-life problem, such as money or a job interview, while an obsession is usually something that reflects an unrealistic fear, such as being contaminated with germs.

How common is obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)?

In Australia, it is estimated the around 2-3% of the population will be affected by OCD at some point during their lives.

Can obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) be prevented?

Unfortunately, there is no known way to prevent obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Recognising the signs of the condition and seeking treatment early may help prevent it from getting worse.

Related topics

Diseases & conditions

Anger management

Anger management is a range of steps and processes that can help someone to manage and reduce their anger. This can involve altering the way they think about certain things that make them angry and changing the ways they react to anger to be constructive, rather than counterproductive.…
Diseases & conditions

Loss and grief

Feelings of loss can stem from many things - relationship breakdown, job loss, family separation, miscarriage, loss of health etc. Loss can be accompanied by grief, too, which people experience in different ways - shock, numbness, anger, regret, denial, or feelings of helplessness, isolation or fear. Services are available to help with loss and grief.…
Diseases & conditions

Bullying

Bullying is the use of power by a person or group of people to intentionally cause physical or psychological harm to another person or group of people. It includes humiliating, demeaning or threatening behaviour and can occur anywhere, including at school, home, online or the workplace.…
Diseases & conditions

Post-traumatic stress disorder

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that can cause significant disruption in a person’s life. It is a reaction to an intense event or period during which a person’s life or safety (or that of a loved one) was in danger.…
Diseases & conditions

Oppositional defiant disorder

Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is a condition in which the person's behaviour is consistently angry, argumentative and defiant, particularly towards figures of authority. While it generally arises in early childhood, it can affect a person for their entire life. ODD needs to addressed as it can become serious later in life.…
Diseases & conditions

ADHD

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a developmental condition that can make it difficult for a person to concentrate and control their behaviour. There are three main symptoms of ADHD – hyperactive behaviour, impulsive behaviour and inattentive behaviour. The severity of behaviours varies between individuals and over time as a child grows and develops.…

About this article

Author: Dr Bow Tauro PhD, BSc (Hons)
First answered: 07 Nov 2014
Last reviewed: 18 May 2018
Rating: 4.3 out of 5
Votes: 621 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: Anger management

×

Content goes in here.