Obsessive compulsive disorder

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a common and treatable mental health condition. People living with OCD may experience distressing thoughts or feel driven to repeat certain behaviours, which can impact daily life, relationships and wellbeing.

Everyone’s experience of OCD is different. With the right support, many people can build skills to manage symptoms and improve their quality of life.

Our dedicated team works with you, giving you access to programs that focus on the bigger picture of your mental health and wellbeing, exploring issues such as anxiety, depression and coping strategies including exercise and nutrition.

What is obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)?

OCD is an anxiety-related condition that involves two key experiences:

• Obsessions: recurrent intrusive thoughts or mental images that feel distressing or difficult to control.
• Compulsions: repetitive behaviours or mental acts you feel driven to do to reduce anxiety or prevent a feared outcome.

These experiences can become time-consuming and may interfere with daily functioning.

Symptoms of OCD

OCD can affect people in different ways, and symptoms may change over time.

Common obsessions

• Fear of harm coming to yourself or others.
• Concerns about contamination or getting sick.
• Distressing or unwanted thoughts that feel out of character.
• Strong need for order, symmetry or certainty.
• Worries related to responsibility, morality or beliefs.

Common compulsions

• Repeated cleaning or washing.
• Checking behaviours (e.g. doors or appliances).
• Repeating words, numbers or actions.
• Counting or arranging items in specific ways.
• Following strict routines.
• Hoarding.

Understanding OCD and treatment

Learning more about OCD is an important part of treatment. It can help you better understand your thoughts, feelings and behaviours, and how they are connected.

Treatment is tailored to your individual needs and goals, supporting you to manage symptoms and improve your overall wellbeing. Care may be provided through a range of settings, including psychiatrist outpatient support, day programs and inpatient services, depending on the level of support you need.

Psychological support

Treatment can help you:

• recognise patterns and triggers
• understand how anxiety influences thoughts and behaviours
• develop new ways of responding to intrusive thoughts
• build confidence in reducing compulsive behaviours.

Anxiety management

OCD is an anxiety-related condition, so treatment often includes practical strategies to help manage anxiety and reduce distress, such as:

• relaxation and grounding techniques
• stress management approaches
• establishing supportive routines (sleep, movement and daily structure).

Medication for OCD

Medication may be recommended for some people as part of a broader care plan. It can help reduce the intensity of symptoms and support engagement in therapy.

Medication is prescribed and monitored by a doctor or psychiatrist.

Ongoing support and recovery

Recovery looks different for everyone. For many people, it involves learning to manage symptoms and build a life that feels meaningful and fulfilling.

Ongoing support may include:

• regular review with health professionals
• Strengthening your coping strategies over time
• planning for changes or setbacks
• involving family or support networks, if helpful.

Mental health enquiries

It’s important to get the right treatment for your needs.

If you’re experiencing a crisis or emergency, please call Triple Zero (000) for emergency services or visit our emergency assistance page to find more crisis services.

If you’re feeling that something isn’t right but it’s not an emergency, you can take the first step by sending us an enquiry.