Maintaining a clean and tidy home is usually a sign of good emotional health. When cleaning becomes obsessive, however, an underlying mental disorder may be the cause. Obsessive fears of contamination along with cleaning and sanitizing compulsions is one of many subtypes of OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder).

OCD is a common disorder that has an estimated worldwide lifetime prevalence of 2% in the general population [1]. Approximately 16% of all patients with OCD suffer from some form of washing compulsion, which is manifested by frequent long and ritualised compulsive hand washings up to 50–100 times daily [2].

For people who obsessively wash their hands, Dr. Jamie Feusner would suggest imagining a worst-case scenario to learn to tolerate the feelings they experience.

How is OCD with compulsive cleaning treated?

1. Cognitive behavioral therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment for many people dealing with OCD.
2. Exposure and response prevention.
3. Medication.
4. Deep brain stimulation.
5. Transcranial magnetic stimulation.

Suggestions for supporting the person with OCD include:

1. Offer reassurance that OCD is a recognised and treatable illness.
2. Assist them to be fully informed about effective treatments, including medication and psychological therapy.
3. Encourage them to seek treatment from a professional who is experienced in treating OCD.

Communicate your hope that s/he will seek help. Also, inform the OCD sufferer of any changes you will be making in how you deal with the OCD. Include other family members in the discussion if they are willing to participate. This should not be confused with nagging or lecturing.

If you have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), you can likely tell that stress is a major trigger of your OCD symptoms. In addition, as the anxiety caused by your stress often causes you to use poor coping strategies like avoidance, stress can get in the way of treatment for OCD.

A 2011 study found that anger is a common symptom of OCD. It affects approximately half of people with OCD. Anger may result from frustration with your inability to prevent obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors, or from having someone or something interfere with your ability to carry out a ritual.

Mental health conditions such as generalized anxiety disorder and PTSD can also trigger sensory overload. Anticipation, fatigue, and stress can all contribute to a sensory overload experience, making senses feel heightened during panic attacks and PTSD episodes.