OCD : Obsessional Compulsive Disorder
People who experience OCD often try to cope until they can't hide the symptoms any longer. This can make them feel very alone.Do you experience any of these?
- Cleanliness/order (e.g. obsessive hand-washing or household cleaning to reduce an exaggerated fear of contamination; obsession with order or symmetry, with an overwhelming need to perform tasks or place objects, such as books or cutlery, in a particular place and/or pattern)
- Counting/hoarding (e.g. repeatedly counting items or objects, such as their clothes or pavement blocks when they are walking; hoarding items such as junk mail and old newspapers)
- Safety/checking (e.g. obsessive fears about harm occurring to either themselves or others which can result in compulsive behaviours such as repeatedly checking whether the stove has been turned off or that windows and doors are locked)
- Sexual issues (e.g. having an irrational sense of disgust concerning sexual activity)
- Religious/moral issues (e.g. feeling a compulsion to pray a certain number of times a day or to such an extent that it interferes with their work and/or relationships)
Minor obsessions and compulsions are common. We all worry occasionally about whether we’ve locked the door or left the iron on at home, or hoard things, and you might hear people described as being ‘obsessed’ with work or sport. But you wouldn’t usually describe these thoughts as unwanted, and they don’t interfere significantly with everyday life.
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder where unwanted thoughts, urges and repetitive activities become an obstacle to living life as you want to.
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) typically has two parts: obsessions and compulsions.
Obsessions are unwelcome thoughts, ideas or urges that appear repeatedly in the mind and interrupt everyday thinking.
Compulsions are repetitive activities you feel you have to do, usually to ‘put right’ the anxiety and distress caused by the obsessive thoughts.
Annie is experienced at working with clients who have OCD. Using Mindfulness and CBT techniques, and with awareness of The Human Givens, OCD can be controlled and overcome within a few weeks.