Understanding OCD: Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder in Inverness and the Highlands
At Highland Psychological Services, we are committed to improving mental health and wellbeing across Inverness, the Highlands, and beyond through both in-person and online therapy. One of the most commonly misunderstood conditions we treat is Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder (OCD)—a serious and often debilitating anxiety-related disorder that affects approximately 1.2% of the UK population. That’s nearly 750,000 people, and when we include families and loved ones who are often involved in supporting those affected, the impact of OCD reaches well over a million lives every day.
Despite its prevalence, OCD is frequently misrepresented in popular culture and social conversations. At Highland Psychological Services, we aim to provide accurate information, compassionate support, and expert treatment for individuals struggling with OCD throughout Inverness, the Highlands, and online.
What is OCD?
OCD is characterised by two core features: obsessions and compulsions.
Obsessions are intrusive, unwanted, and often distressing thoughts, images, or urges that repeatedly enter a person’s mind. These are not simple worries or fears—they are persistent and involuntary.
Compulsions are repetitive behaviours or mental rituals performed in response to obsessions. These behaviours are designed to reduce distress or prevent a feared event, but they often bring only temporary relief.
Common compulsions may include excessive cleaning, checking, counting, or internal rituals such as mental repetition or prayer. Sometimes, the compulsion has no logical connection to the obsession. For instance, a person may believe that unless they blink a certain number of times, something bad will happen to a loved one.
Over time, these rituals can become habitual, continuing even when the original obsession is no longer remembered. In these cases, the person may simply feel the need to perform the compulsion in order to feel "just right"—a term commonly used by people living with OCD.
OCD is More Than Just Quirks
One of the biggest misconceptions about OCD is that it’s simply about being tidy, neat, or particular. In reality, OCD is a mental health disorder that can severely disrupt a person’s daily life. It can affect everything from work and school to relationships and self-care.
Statements like "I'm a bit OCD" or casual references to celebrities being "so OCD" contribute to stigma and misunderstanding. These comments overlook the real suffering experienced by those living with the disorder. The "D" in OCD stands for Disorder—a condition that disrupts normal mental functioning, not just a personality trait.
According to the World Health Organization, OCD was once ranked among the top ten most disabling medical conditions worldwide in terms of loss of income and quality of life. It was even noted as the fifth leading cause of disease burden for women in developed countries. More recently, anxiety disorders—which include OCD—have been identified as the sixth largest cause of disability globally, with more women affected than men.
When and How OCD Develops
OCD typically begins in late adolescence for males and early adulthood for females, although it can emerge at any age—even as early as six years old. It affects people of all genders, cultures, and social backgrounds, and it's now believed that more women than men are diagnosed with the disorder.
Historically, OCD was known as a "secret illness" due to the shame and embarrassment sufferers often feel. Before the internet era, individuals frequently hid their symptoms, resulting in an average delay of 10 to 15 years between the onset of symptoms and seeking help. Misunderstanding among healthcare providers and a lack of public awareness further contributed to underdiagnosis.
Fortunately, today there is greater awareness of OCD, and resources such as online information, support groups, and specialist services like those at Highland Psychological Services mean that many people are diagnosed and treated earlier—even if initially self-diagnosed.
The Impact of OCD on Daily Life
OCD can have a profound effect on every aspect of life. From school and work to social interactions and personal relationships, the disorder can consume hours of a person’s day. Individuals may spend excessive time performing rituals, avoiding triggers, or seeking reassurance—all in an attempt to manage their anxiety and fear.
Some of the most distressing obsessions involve intrusive thoughts about harming loved ones, including children. These thoughts are not desires or intentions, but highly disturbing fears that the person finds repugnant and terrifying. It’s important to understand that these are just thoughts—not fantasies or urges to act. They are part of the disorder and are often the most difficult to speak about, leading many sufferers to suffer in silence.
While many people experience fleeting, OCD-like thoughts or behaviours during times of stress (such as double-checking if the door is locked), the key distinction is the level of distress and interference in daily life. For those with OCD, these thoughts and behaviours are persistent, unwanted, and deeply disruptive.
OCD in the Highlands and Beyond: Treatment Options
At Highland Psychological Services, we offer OCD therapy in Inverness, throughout the Highlands, and online across the UK. Our team of experienced psychotherapists and counsellors use evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to help individuals understand and manage their symptoms.
Our approach is person-centred and trauma-informed. We understand that no two experiences of OCD are alike, and our therapy plans are tailored to each client’s unique challenges and goals.