Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (“OCD”) is a condition whereby individuals experience obsessive or intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviours.

Obsessions or intrusive thoughts are unwanted and unpleasant thoughts, images or urges that cause feelings of disgust or anxiety. Compulsions are either overt (seen to be acted out) or covert (mental acts) that individuals feel they have to carry out in order to relieve uncomfortable feelings. Such acts may work in relieving any short term distress but only serve to maintain OCD in the longer term.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is commonly misconceived as being only about cleanliness or having the urge to tidy things repeatedly, however the reality of the disorder is something much greater and can be extremely debilitating. Many clients experience intrusive thoughts of a sexual or violent nature which can often result in individuals struggling to seek help or talk about their difficulties due to feelings of shame or embarrassment.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is a treatable condition. The obsessions are not a representation of the individuals character and nor are they facts. Most people experience intrusive thoughts however they are able to move quickly past them with little or no emotional reaction.

Who is impacted and why?

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder impacts both men and women; however the types of intrusive thoughts can vary between genders.

There are various reasons why someone may develop OCD; it is believed that you are more likely to develop it if someone in your family also has OCD however whether this is due to a genetic predisposition or learned behaviour is unclear. Brain scans have demonstrated higher levels of activity in the brain as well as lower levels of serotonin in individuals with OCD. Other research has demonstrated that onset can be around puberty or following important life events such as becoming a parent.

Treatment for OCD

Nice guidelines recommend Cognitive Behavioural Therapy with exposure and response prevention as a way of treating OCD.  Working with a therapist will help an individual understand the link between obsessions, feelings and compulsions and allow them to discuss obsessions without using compulsions to manage them. This can be a challenging treatment as a person is asked to face their fears, but by working together at a pace that suits the individual’s needs long term benefits from this treatment can be gained.