OCD
OCD isn't about being neat or organized. It's a cycle of intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviours that feel impossible to ignore, often causing significant distress and consuming hours of the day.
What it is
OCD involves intrusive, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) that cause anxiety, leading to repetitive behaviours or mental acts (compulsions) performed to reduce that distress. It's a cycle that can consume hours of the day.
In Pakistan, OCD is often trivialized as "just being particular" or "a habit." But when someone spends hours washing their hands until they bleed or checking locks repeatedly, it's clearly more than a quirk.
What it looks like in real life
"I know the stove is off, but I have to check it ten times before I can leave the house."
"I get terrible thoughts about harming my children, even though I'd never do it."
"I have to count everything in a specific order or something bad will happen."
Mujhe pata hai chulha band hai, lekin baar baar check karna padta hai.
Some people have contamination fears, others have unwanted violent or sexual thoughts, and many have fears about things not being "just right." The themes vary but the distress is constant.
What it is not
OCD isn't about being organized or wanting things neat. People with OCD are often distressed by their own thoughts and behaviours. They don't enjoy the compulsions they feel trapped by them.
What treatment involves
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is the gold standard treatment for OCD. It involves gradually facing feared situations while resisting the urge to perform compulsions. It's challenging but highly effective.
Medication, particularly SSRIs, can also help reduce the intensity of obsessive thoughts. Many people benefit from a combination of both.
When to seek help now
If repetitive thoughts or behaviours are taking up more than an hour of your day, if they're causing significant distress, or if you're avoiding situations because of them early treatment can prevent OCD from becoming deeply entrenched.
The hardest step is the first one. Most of our patients tell us afterwards that they waited too long. You do not need a referral, a diagnosis, or the right words. You only need to call.
0316-0101525 · Plot B-230, Block N, North Nazimabad, Karachi