Compulsive washing

Hands are always washed clean and thoroughly - out of fear of catching a disease, out of exaggerated disgust at bacteria and germs or out of fear of soiling others.

Compulsion to check

Is the window really closed? People with a control compulsion have to constantly check everything - for fear that something bad will happen otherwise. The constant checking disrupts the daily rhythm and causes great stress.

Compulsion for order

The constant pressure to keep everything tidy is overwhelming. Every little drawer has to be perfect. Everyday objects have to be arranged symmetrically - anything else means chaos and loss of control.

Compulsive counting

Those affected have to perform counting rituals again and again. Some have the urge to count certain objects, such as paving stones. Others are only allowed to take two steps at a time, for example.

These compulsive disorders also exist:

Compulsion to collect: sufferers simply pick up everything and cannot throw anything away.

Compulsive repetition: certain actions must be repeated until a certain number is reached.

Compulsive slowness: Everyday tasks such as eating, washing hair or getting dressed take a very, very long time.

Obsessive thoughts: Mostly aggressive thoughts that patients suffer from

Get help with obsessive-compulsive disorder here:

Obsessive-compulsive disorders in general:
German Society for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders (DGZ): www.zwänge.de
Help with compulsive hair pulling:
www.trich.de or www.trichotillomanie.de

Interview: "People with obsessive-compulsive disorder cannot help themselves alone"

What exactly is obsessive-compulsive disorder?
Thomas Hillebrand, a qualified psychologist from Münster: "People usually perform actions over and over again. For example, they spend hours checking whether the windows are closed. Or they wash their hands 90 times a day. "

Why can't they stop?
Hillebrand: "Those affected otherwise lead a normal life. They have control over everything else - just not over this compulsion. The decisive factor is fear. During the compulsion, the people suffering from it are massively afraid."

What are they so afraid of?
Hillebrand: "For example, people who live under a compulsion to control fear that a burglar could come in because they haven't locked the door properly. Their mental image triggers such a strong fear that reason is switched off. And then it's all about how I can get rid of this fear. It only works if I check again and again and again."

Do you know what causes compulsive disorders?
Hillebrand: "For many people, the anxiety always revolves around similar topics - for years. Obsessive-compulsive disorder develops. The age at which most people develop more severe problems is in their early twenties."

Are there therapies for obsessive-compulsive disorder?
Hillebrand: "Those affected cannot free themselves from OCD on their own. But with help, you can overcome compulsions such as washing, tidying