Most people experience unwanted thoughts from time to time.
You might suddenly think about something unpleasant, worry that you made a mistake or feel the need to check something twice.
For someone experiencing obsessive compulsive disorder, these thoughts or urges can become much more difficult to dismiss. Repetitive behaviours or mental rituals may also take up significant time and interfere with everyday life.
What Can OCD Look Like in Adults?
OCD can involve obsessions, compulsions or both.
Obsessions are unwanted, recurring thoughts, images or urges that cause distress.
Compulsions are repetitive behaviours or mental acts that a person feels driven to perform, often in an attempt to reduce anxiety or prevent something feared from happening.
Examples can include:
• Repeatedly checking locks, appliances or messages
• Excessive concerns about contamination
• Repeated handwashing or cleaning
• Needing things arranged in a particular way
• Repeatedly seeking reassurance
• Mentally reviewing conversations or events
• Counting or repeating certain actions
OCD can look different from one person to another.
What Makes OCD Different From Everyday Worry?
Everyone worries.
The difference may become clearer when thoughts and behaviours start taking up significant time or causing considerable distress.
You may know that a thought seems excessive but still feel unable to stop responding to it.
For example, you may check whether you locked the door and then return several times because you cannot feel certain enough to leave.
The behaviour may provide temporary relief, but the worry can return.
OCD Can Affect Everyday Life
OCD is not limited to one area of life.
It may interfere with:
• Work
• Relationships
• Sleep
• Social activities
• Concentration
• Daily routines
• Time spent with family
Some adults also hide their symptoms because they feel embarrassed or worry that other people will not understand what they are experiencing.
When Should You Seek Professional Support?
Consider speaking with a psychologist if unwanted thoughts or repetitive behaviours are becoming difficult to manage or are taking up significant time.
You do not need to wait until the symptoms completely disrupt your routine.
A professional assessment can help clarify what you are experiencing and whether treatment may be appropriate.
How Psychotherapy Can Help
OCD is a recognised mental health condition that can be treated.
The appropriate approach depends on the individual and the nature of their symptoms. A psychologist can assess your concerns and discuss suitable treatment options rather than relying on a one size fits all approach.
Getting support can also help you understand the difference between ordinary unwanted thoughts and patterns that are causing significant distress.
OCD Support for Adults in Doha
Mind Institute Therapy Clinic provides adult psychotherapy in Doha for a range of mental health concerns, including obsessive compulsive disorder.
Our psychologists provide personalised care based on each individual’s symptoms, circumstances and goals. Mind Institute is licensed by Qatar’s Ministry of Public Health and provides a confidential environment for adults from Qatar’s multicultural community.
If unwanted thoughts or repetitive behaviours are affecting your daily life, learn more about Adult Psychotherapy at Mind Institute or book an appointment.
FAQs
OCD may involve recurring unwanted thoughts, urges or images along with repetitive behaviours or mental acts performed in response to them.
No. Occasional checking is common. It may become a concern when checking is frequent, difficult to resist or significantly interferes with everyday life.
Yes. Obsessions are often unwanted and distressing, even when the person does not agree with or want the thoughts.
Yes. OCD is treatable, and a psychologist can assess your symptoms and discuss appropriate treatment options.