Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

You may understand that a ritual is excessive and still find it difficult to stop. You may also worry about explaining thoughts that feel embarrassing or frightening. You can begin by describing the distress and disruption, without having to find perfect words.

What is obsessive-compulsive disorder

OCD involves recurring, unwanted thoughts, images or urges called obsessions, repetitive behaviours or mental acts called compulsions, or both. The National Institute of Mental Health describes OCD as a condition whose symptoms can be time-consuming, distressing and disruptive. It is not simply a preference for neatness or careful work.

A person may feel driven to perform a ritual to reduce discomfort, prevent a feared event or make something feel right. Relief can be brief, followed by another doubt. The problem is the cycle and its impact, rather than whether an outside observer finds the concern reasonable.

People differ in how clearly they recognise the pattern. A professional assessment considers your experience, the time involved, the effect on your life and other possible explanations. You do not need to meet a self-imposed threshold before asking for help.

What OCD can feel like

• Persistent doubts: repeatedly questioning whether you made a mistake or caused harm despite having checked.
• Unwanted thoughts: intrusive images or urges about contamination, harm, religion or sexual themes that feel upsetting or contrary to your values.
• Visible rituals: repeated washing, checking, arranging or restarting tasks because stopping feels difficult.
• Mental rituals: silently repeating phrases, reviewing memories or trying to cancel one thought with another.
• Reassurance and avoidance: repeatedly seeking certainty from other people or staying away from situations that trigger doubt.

NHS guidance on OCD symptoms explains that intrusive violent or sexual thoughts do not mean someone will carry them out. Their presence alone should not be treated as evidence of desire, character or intent. A clinician can explore the thoughts sensitively and distinguish unwanted fears from a genuine wish or plan to act.

How the cycle can affect everyday life

Leaving home may take much longer than expected. A work task might remain unfinished because you keep reviewing it. You could appear composed during a meeting while privately repeating a phrase or analysing a memory. The effort involved can be difficult for other people to see.

In a shared Singapore home, rituals may also affect routines, bathroom access or family plans. Relatives may feel unsure whether answering another question is helpful. These practical effects deserve a calm conversation. They do not make you inconsiderate or mean that your family has caused the condition.

For example, someone might repeatedly ask a partner whether an ordinary interaction was offensive. Even after receiving an answer, doubt returns. Recognising that pattern can be more useful than debating every detail of the interaction.

What evidence-based treatment involves

NHS treatment guidance describes cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) with exposure and response prevention (ERP) as a main psychological treatment for OCD. With a trained professional, you work gradually on approaching agreed triggers while reducing compulsions, including mental rituals. The plan should be collaborative and appropriate to your circumstances.

ERP is not about proving that nothing bad could ever happen. It helps you practise responding differently to uncertainty and distress. It can feel challenging, so ask how the practitioner plans exercises, checks progress and helps if you feel overwhelmed. Do not attempt risky or extreme exposure exercises on your own.

A doctor may also discuss medication, depending on your needs and preferences. Some people benefit from combined care. Medication decisions, monitoring and any changes belong with the prescribing clinician; do not stop prescribed treatment without speaking to them.

How counselling can support you

Counselling can provide space to discuss shame, family strain, exhaustion and the difficulties involved in seeking treatment. You can identify what you want to reclaim, whether that is leaving home more easily, concentrating at work or spending less time caught in rituals.

When seeking support at SCC, ask about the practitioner’s OCD experience, whether they provide CBT with ERP and whether referral to an ERP-trained clinician or psychiatrist would be appropriate. General supportive conversations should not replace indicated OCD-specific treatment.

Preparing to ask for help

A brief description may be enough: “I keep checking even after I know I have checked, and it is making me late.” If useful, note the kinds of rituals involved and what they interrupt. Keep this practical; you do not need an exhaustive record or a perfectly accurate count.

If symptoms substantially disrupt eating, sleep, work or basic care, seek prompt medical or specialist mental health assessment. Ask about support for any depression or other difficulties too. If there is an immediate safety risk, seek emergency medical help rather than waiting for a routine counselling appointment.

Frequently asked questions

Is OCD the same as being a perfectionist?

No. Perfectionism concerns demanding standards and self-evaluation; OCD involves obsessions and compulsions. They can overlap, but liking order or doing careful work does not establish OCD.

Can compulsions happen entirely in my mind?

Yes. Mental reviewing, counting or repeating words can function as compulsions. What matters is the role they play and their impact, even when nobody else can see them.

Do I need a diagnosis before contacting SCC?

You can enquire about support without knowing your diagnosis. Explain your main concerns and ask what assessment and specialist treatment options may be needed alongside counselling.