Conditions we treat
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
When the mind gets stuck on a loop it can't switch off.
Intrusive thoughts and rituals that take over time, energy and peace of mind.
An overview
Understanding obsessive-compulsive disorder
OCD is a condition in which the mind gets caught in loops of intrusive, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and the behaviours done to neutralise the anxiety they cause (compulsions). The themes are often deeply distressing, contamination, harm, religion, relationships, symmetry, sexuality, and the person almost always knows the fears are excessive, which only adds to the shame. OCD is exhausting and frequently hidden for years before help is sought. It is also one of the most rewarding conditions to treat: with a combination of Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)-informed therapy, well-dosed medication, and family education that prevents 'accommodation' of rituals, the majority of people see significant, durable relief and reclaim hours of every day.
Common signs
- •Unwanted, distressing thoughts that feel impossible to ignore
- •Repetitive behaviours, checking, cleaning, counting, reassurance-seeking
- •Significant time lost each day to rituals
- •Avoidance of triggers (contamination, harm, symmetry, religious themes)
- •Distress despite knowing the thoughts are excessive
What contributes
- •Genetic and neurobiological factors
- •Stressful life events that 'set off' a latent vulnerability
- •Pregnancy, postpartum and other hormonal transitions
- •Streptococcal infections in children (PANDAS-type presentations)
- •Co-existing anxiety, depression or tic disorders
How we treat
- •Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) informed therapy
- •SSRIs at therapeutic doses with monitoring
- •Family education and avoidance of accommodation
- •Augmentation strategies for treatment-resistant OCD
- •Relapse-prevention skills and long-term follow-up
- •Treatment of overlapping depression, anxiety or tics
When to seek help
- Intrusive thoughts that distress you and feel impossible to ignore
- Rituals (checking, washing, counting, praying) taking up more than an hour a day
- Avoiding places, people or activities because of obsessions
- Constantly seeking reassurance from family or doctors
- Distress, shame or guilt about the content of your thoughts
- Symptoms worsening during stress, pregnancy or after illness
Who can benefit
- Adults and teenagers with contamination, harm, religious or symmetry OCD
- Parents of children with repetitive behaviours or rituals
- People who've tried therapy or medication without full relief
- Anyone with intrusive thoughts they've been too embarrassed to discuss
Not sure if this fits you?
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A serious but treatable mental illness affecting thinking, perception, emotion and behaviour, often involving hallucinations, delusions or social withdrawal.