Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Support in Guildford, Surrey
At Surrey Psychiatry, we provide specialist assessment and treatment for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in adults, adolescents and young people across Guildford and Surrey. OCD can be a distressing and often misunderstood condition that affects thoughts, behaviours and emotional wellbeing. Left untreated, symptoms can significantly impact daily life, relationships, work and overall quality of life.
Our experienced clinicians offer compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to each individual’s needs, helping people better understand their symptoms and access effective treatment to regain confidence and control.
What is OCD?
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterised by unwanted and intrusive thoughts, images or urges (obsessions) that create anxiety or distress. To reduce this distress, individuals may engage in repetitive behaviours or mental rituals (compulsions).
While many people experience occasional unwanted thoughts, OCD occurs when these thoughts become persistent, distressing and difficult to ignore.
Common obsessions may include:
- Fear of contamination or germs
- Fear of harming yourself or others
- Intrusive sexual, religious or violent thoughts
- Excessive concern about mistakes
- Fear of losing control
- A need for certainty or reassurance
Common compulsions may include:
- Excessive cleaning or hand washing
- Repeated checking behaviours
- Counting or repeating actions
- Seeking reassurance from others
- Mental reviewing or analysing thoughts
- Arranging or ordering objects in a particular way
OCD is a treatable condition, and with appropriate support many individuals experience significant improvement in their symptoms.
When to seek help for OCD
Recognizing the signs and knowing when support can help
It may be beneficial to seek professional support if:
- Intrusive thoughts are causing significant anxiety or distress
- Repetitive behaviours are becoming time-consuming
- Symptoms are affecting work, education or relationships
- You find yourself avoiding certain situations due to fear or anxiety
- OCD is impacting your confidence, wellbeing or daily functioning
- Symptoms are becoming increasingly difficult to manage alone
Seeking support early can help prevent symptoms from becoming more severe and provide access to effective treatment options.
Types of OCD
Contamination OCD
A fear of germs, illness or contamination that often leads to excessive cleaning, washing or avoidance behaviours.
Checking OCD
Repeated checking behaviours driven by fears that something bad may happen, such as checking locks, appliances or personal belongings.
Intrusive Thoughts OCD
Persistent unwanted thoughts, images or urges that may be violent, sexual, religious or otherwise distressing in nature.
Harm OCD
Obsessions centred around fears of causing harm to oneself or others, despite having no desire to act on these thoughts.
Relationship OCD (ROCD)
Excessive doubts and anxiety about relationships, often involving repeated reassurance-seeking and obsessive questioning.
Health OCD
Obsessive fears about illness, disease or physical health, often involving repeated checking or reassurance-seeking.
Symmetry and Ordering OCD
A strong need for things to feel balanced, organised or “just right,” often leading to repetitive arranging or ordering behaviours.
Pure O ("Pure Obsessional" OCD)
A form of OCD where compulsions are primarily mental rather than visible, including rumination, analysing, reviewing and mental reassurance-seeking.
24/7
Begin with a confidential consultation
We offer private psychiatry appointments online and from our Guildford clinic in Surrey.
Whether you are seeking support for yourself, your child or a family member, we are here to help you take the next step with clarity and confidence.
