OCD
Millions of people throughout the world suffer from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), a psychiatric illness. Obsessions and compulsions, which are intrusive, recurrent thoughts and actions that significantly disrupt everyday functioning and create severe distress, are the hallmarks of OCD. If they don't carry out their compulsive behaviours, people with OCD may feel extremely anxious or afraid. They frequently feel as though they have no control over their thoughts and behaviours.
There are several types of OCD, including checking, contamination, symmetry and ordering, and intrusive thoughts. Checking OCD involves repeatedly checking things like locks, appliances, or personal belongings to ensure they are safe and secure. Contdamination OCD involves an intense fear of germs, dirt, or contamination and may involve excessive hand washing or cleaning. Symmetry and ordering OCD involves an obsession with order and symmetry, and may involve arranging objects in a specific way or performing tasks in a particular order. Intrusive thoughts OCD involves recurrent, unwanted, and distressing thoughts or images, which may be violent or sexual in nature.
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is the most effective treatment for OCD. ERP involves gradually exposing the person to the feared situation or object while preventing them from engaging in the compulsive behavior. This exposure helps the person learn that they do not need to perform the compulsive behavior to reduce their anxiety or fear. Through repetition and practice, the person becomes desensitized to the feared situation or object, and their anxiety decreases.
Relapse prevention is an important aspect of OCD treatment, as it involves identifying triggers that may cause a person to engage in compulsive behaviors, and developing strategies to avoid or cope with those triggers. This may involve developing a plan for dealing with stress, avoiding situations that may trigger OCD symptoms, or seeking support from a therapist or support group.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is another effective treatment for OCD. CBT helps people with OCD identify and challenge their negative or irrational thoughts, and develop more positive and adaptive beliefs about themselves and their world. CBT can be used in combination with ERP to help people with OCD develop coping strategies and improve their overall mental health.
In addition to ERP and CBT, medication can also be used to treat OCD. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly prescribed to help reduce OCD symptoms.
Exposure to feared stimuli helps to desensitise the person to their triggers and reduces the intensity of the associated anxiety. Over time, the individual learns that they can tolerate the anxiety and resist the compulsions, leading to a reduction in OCD symptoms. See a success Mayas story from Rogers Behavioural Health.
Living with OCD can be challenging, but with the right treatment and support, people with OCD can manage their symptoms and live fulfilling lives. It is important for people with OCD to seek help from a qualified mental health professional who can provide evidence-based treatment and support. By working with a therapist and practising ERP and CBT techniques, people with OCD can learn to manage their symptoms, reduce their anxiety, and improve their overall quality of life.
