OCD: Understanding Symptoms and Treatment

Living with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder can be debilitating. But with the right treatment and support, you can learn to manage your symptoms and lead a fulfilling life. In this blog post, we’ll explore what OCD is, common symptoms, available treatment options, and the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for OCD.

What is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder?

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is a common mental health problem characterised by obsessions and compulsions. Obsessions often show up as unwanted intrusive thoughts, and they can be extremely distressing and anxiety provoking. Compulsions often show up as repetitive behaviours (e.g. hand washing, ordering, checking) and are generally carried out in response to the obsessions. They can take up a lot of your time and have a big impact on your functioning.

There are several different types of OCD, where the obsessions and compulsions are related to particular themes. Here’s a few of them: Contamination OCD – ‘I just gave that person a serious illness when I touched them’. Harm OCD – ‘what if I drove into that person’. Relationship OCD – ‘is this the right person for me’. Just Right OCD – ‘I need to start this over to make it perfect’.

Signs of OCD

Have you ever found yourself wondering ‘do I have OCD?’. Here are the most common symptoms of OCD I see in my clients:

• Doubting things (e.g. did I lock the door) and having difficulty tolerating uncertainty, often leading to checking behaviours (e.g. checking the door is locked).
• Unwanted intrusive thoughts, or images, popping into your mind despite trying desperately hard not to have these unpleasant thoughts.
• Wanting things to be orderly and symmetrical, and often rearranging things a number of times until it feels ‘just right’.
• Excessive hand-washing and cleaning, such as repeatedly showering or cleaning your house more than a typical amount.
• Feeling intense anxiety or distress when experiencing obsessions, and particularly if you try not to do the compulsive behaviours.

OCD Treatment

Fortunately, there are several effective treatments available. These include:

1. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy: CBT is considered the gold standard treatment for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. It involves identifying and challenging negative thought patterns and beliefs related to obsessions. And teaching individuals coping strategies to manage anxiety and reduce compulsive behaviours.
2. Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP): ERP is a specific type of CBT that involves gradually exposing individuals to feared situations or triggers while preventing the compulsive response. Over time, exposure helps you learn that their feared outcomes are unlikely to occur, leading to a reduction in anxiety and compulsive behaviours.
3. Medication: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are often prescribed to help alleviate symptoms. These medications can help reduce the intensity of obsessions and compulsions, and may be used in conjunction with therapy for optimal results.

How to Overcome OCD with CBT

CBT has been shown to be highly effective in treating Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Research shows significant reductions in symptoms and improvements in overall functioning. By targeting the underlying thoughts and behaviours that maintain the obsessions and compulsions, CBT helps you develop healthier coping mechanisms and strategies for managing anxiety and distress.

Key components of CBT for OCD may include:

• Psycho-education: Learning about the nature of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, its causes, and treatment options.
• Formulation: Understanding how your OCD developed, how it presents itself, and what maintains it.
• CBT Tools: Designed to reduce your anxiety and distress by working on managing your obsessions and compulsions.
• Relapse Prevention: Putting together a plan at the end of therapy to help you continue progressing towards your goals and to minimise any setbacks.

The Power of CBT for OCD

CBT offers numerous benefits for people struggling with OCD, providing a structured and evidence-based approach to symptom management and recovery. By targeting obsessions and compulsions, developing coping skills, empowering individuals, and improving overall quality of life, CBT offers hope and relief.

Here are some of the therapy benefits my OCD clients find most powerful:

• Understanding that intrusive thoughts are normal and don’t mean anything
• Learning how to tolerate uncertainty and sit with uncomfortable feelings
• Reducing the amount of time spent engaging in compulsive behaviours
• Reducing the frequency of unwanted intrusive thoughts so they feel less overwhelming
• Being able to do the things you’d like to do but had stopped doing because of anxiety
• Understanding how OCD works and what keeps it going so you know what not to do

If you or someone you know is struggling with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, consider reaching out to a qualified therapist who can provide support and effective treatment. With the right help and support, it is possible to overcome OCD and live a life free from the constraints of obsessions and compulsions.

Find Out More

I specialise in working with perfectionists. Not all perfectionists have OCD, and not all individuals with OCD are perfectionists, but there is a recognised overlap between the two. ‘Just Right’ OCD is often referred to as Perfectionism OCD! As a result I have lots of experience in helping clients successfully overcome OCD. If you’re looking for a BABCP Accredited Senior CBT Therapist for OCD Therapy, you can book an appointment here.

Useful Links

• What CBT is and How it Actually Works
• Subscribe to The Diary of a Perfectionist