Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

What is OCD?

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is the fourth most common mental illness after depression, addictions and social phobias. Approximately 1 in 50 adults and 1 in 200 children suffer from OCD.

Sufferers of OCD have persistent, recurring and unwanted thoughts about feared situations (obsessions), which they often attempt to fight with mental or physical rituals. These can include excessive repetitive actions such as washing, checking or counting, or agonising ruminations (compulsions).

OCD affects males as frequently as females. Its average onset is around 20 years old, but studies have shown that it takes up to 7-8 years for someone to ask for treatment for OCD.

The symptoms of OCD start with behaviours that may seem relatively small but can escalate over time. They can be triggered by a personal crisis, abuse, or something negative that affects you. Examples can include bereavement or being made redundant. OCD symptoms include obsessions and compulsions, or both.

Symptoms of OCD

• Fear of shameful behaviour
• Fear of Death or disaster
• Fear of causing “bad things” to happen
• Fear of Contamination
• Fear of sexual thoughts
• Symmetrical arrangements
• Intrusive thoughts & images
• Unsatisfactory body image
• Counting compulsion
• Checking (taps, locks etc.)
• Measuring
• Repeating actions or tasks
• Confessing imaginary “sins.”
• Hoarding
• Washing / Cleaning
• Causes of OCD

There has been a great deal of research, but scientists have been unable to identify a definitive cause for a person developing OCD. You are more likely to have OCD if you have family members with the condition or other mental health problems such as anxiety or depression.

Treatments for OCD

iMETAWELLNESS has extensive experience in the treatment of OCD, and we offer a full assessment and individually tailored treatment plan involving:

Individual Therapy: This is generally with a psychologist. During the therapy, you will look to understand the reasons for the compulsions and learn to treat the OCD. The most common form of treatment is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Exposure therapy can also be used if the therapist feels this is appropriate.

Group Therapy: A group is a powerful way of helping sufferers, as it helps them to identify that they are not alone and that there are other people with similar issues. Group treatment can also allow patients to learn from other patients to see what has and has not worked for them concerning treatment.

Medication for OCD

OCD is usually treated using psychological therapies; however, sometimes, it may be necessary to include medication. The primary medicine that is prescribed is a type of anti-depressant called SSRI. These can improve the symptoms of OCD by increasing the levels of a chemical called serotonin in your brain. You may have to take the medication for several weeks before you notice an improvement in symptoms. It would help if you did not stop taking the medication without speaking to your psychiatrist, as stopping them suddenly can cause side effects.

Therapy Approach for OCD

A therapist can work with you on a 1:1 basis to understand the reasons for your OCD. Then, they will identify the most appropriate psychological therapy, CBT, and discuss a treatment plan with you. As with all interventions, you must work together and be willing to make a change.

Outcomes

For some people, after treatment, the symptoms will go away. Others may find that the symptoms are significantly reduced and no longer impact their daily lives.