Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

An Anxiety disorder where the sufferer becomes trapped in a pattern of repetitive thoughts & Behaviours that are usually senseless & distressing but extremely difficult to overcome.

The condition is potentially disabling & can persist throughout the individual’s life. OCD occurs in a spectrum from mild – severe. Untreated it can destroy the person’s capacity to function at work, school or at home.

Obsessions are recurrent and persistent thoughts, images or impulses experienced as Intrusive, unacceptable and distressing to the individual. Common Obsessional Themes include:-
Persistent fears of harm/danger to self or others
Unreasonable concerns with dirt and contamination
Fears of committing sexual offences/violent aggressive acts
Doubting, senseless
Moral, Religious/Blasphemous thoughts
Need for perfection
Ruminations

Compulsions are repetitive behaviours in response to obsessions aimed at reducing or preventing the feared event.

Most common compulsions include – Checking; Cleaning; Ordering; Repeating activities/ words/numbers/ phrases; Hoarding; Collecting; Mental rituals; ‘cancelling out’.

OCD is often chronic and is considered to be amongst the most resistant and debilitating of the anxiety disorders.

The lifetime prevalence of OCD is said to be approximately 2.5% (DSM-IV 1994) although other sources indicate higher prevalence with ranges of 1.9 – 3.2% (Salkofskis & Kirk 1998).

Treatment – Intervention ideas:
A combination of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Medication – (SSRI Antidepressants) are recommended as the treatment of choice for OCD (Nice Guidelines). Through therapy clients are encouraged to confront their fears and reduce or drop safety- seeking ritual behaviours and challenge and modify the thoughts and beliefs they hold about anticipated catastrophes and their over-valued responsibilities.