OCD

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 so far scientists have been unable to identify a definitive cause for why a person develops OCD. You are more likely to have OCD if you have family members with the condition or other mental health problem such as anxiety or depression.

Treatments for OCD

Cardinal Clinic 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 to 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 with regards to treatment.

Medication for OCD

OCD is usually treated using psychological therapies, however, sometimes it may be necessary to include medication. The main medicine that is prescribed is a type of anti-depressant called SSRIs. 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. You should 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. They will identify the most appropriate psychological therapy, usually CBT and discuss a treatment plan with you. As with all interventions, it is important that you work together and are willing to affect change.

Outcomes

For some people, after treatment, the symptoms will go away. Others may find the symptoms are greatly reduced and no longer impact on their daily life.