OCD involves unwanted, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repeated behaviours (compulsions) performed to reduce anxiety.
Key Features
In school, Aisha checked her bag five times before leaving class, convinced she’d missed something crucial. At home, she lined up toiletries “just right” to mute a prickle of dread. As an adult, she lost hours rereading emails in case a stray phrase caused harm, and she circled back to check the cooker despite photos proving it was off. She knew the thoughts were irrational, but they felt urgent.
An assessment identified OCD. With exposure and response prevention (ERP), she practised letting the doubt sit while resisting rituals: send the email once, leave the house without the extra loop. It was uncomfortable and working. The thoughts still knocked, but she no longer rolled out a red carpet. Time came back. So did trust in herself.
