Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
Here’s an overview of the condition
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition where a person has obsessive thoughts and compulsive activity.
An obsession is an unwanted and unpleasant thought, image or urge that repeatedly enters a person’s mind, causing feelings of anxiety, disgust or unease.
A compulsion is a repetitive behaviour or mental act that someone feels they need to carry out to try to temporarily relieve the unpleasant feelings brought on by the obsessive thought.
For example, someone with a fear of their house being burgled may feel they need to check all the windows and doors are locked several times before they can leave the house.
OCD symptoms can range from mild to severe. Some people with OCD may spend an hour or so a day engaged in obsessive-compulsive thinking and behaviour, but for others the condition can completely take over their life.
Organisations who can help
https://www.ocduk.org/ helpline: 01332 588112
What are the common traits in children
People with OCD are often embarrassed about it, and may not reveal their symptoms much at first. If symptoms become less controllable, OCD may present itself in school pupils in many different ways. One example is rituals, in that the young person has to write their work in a specific manner or arrange their books, pencils or belongings in a particular way. Other examples are repeatedly checking belongings or light switches or making sure that the taps are turned off in the school toilets. Cleaning and washing rituals are common. Other obsessions and compulsions may affect schoolwork directly, in that the pupil with OCD may need to destroy written work or reread reading work, repeating it until they feel it is exactly perfect.
What are the common traits in adults
Everyone experiences OCD differently but common signs may include:
Obsessions, such as:
– fear of causing or failing to prevent harm
– intrusive thoughts, images and impulses
– religious or blasphemous thoughts that are against your religious beliefs
– fear of contamination
– fears and worries related to order or symmetry.
– Compulsions, which can be:
– physical actions
– mental rituals
– the need to complete a compulsion a specific number of times without interruption.
Examples of compulsions include:
– rituals – washing hands, touching things, arranging objects
– checking – doors and windows are locked, clothes for contamination
– repeating a word or phrase, counting
– reassurance – asking people to tell you everything is alright.
https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/mental-health/ocd
How is it diagnosed
A specialist in OCD usually a psychiatrist, Psychologist, BABCP therapists
At what age can it be diagnosed
Any age some as young as 6.
How can it be managed
The 2 main treatments are:
Medication– usually a type of antidepressant medicine that can help by altering the balance of chemicals in your brain
Talking therapy – usually a type of therapy that helps you face your fears and obsessive thoughts without “putting them right” with compulsions
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) focuses on how your thoughts, beliefs and attitudes affect your feelings and behaviour. You can read more about CBT here.
Exposure and response prevention (ERP) is specifically designed for OCD. It encourages you to confront your obsessions and resist the urge to carry out compulsions.
https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd/treatment/