Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Information & Treatment Options

OCD involves the experience of obsessions and compulsions. Obsessions tend to involve repeated and persistent thoughts, images or urges that the individual perceives to be intrusive and unwanted. The obsession then leaves the individual compelled to engage in a compulsive response which may involve repeated behaviours or mental acts stemming from rigid rules. The obsessions or compulsions tend to cause high distress and/or take long periods of time to complete.

The level of insight regarding the truth behind OCD beliefs also varies from person to person. It is common for individuals with OCD to feel overly responsible, be perfectionistic and struggle to tolerate uncertainty.

The causes of OCD are not fully understood. However, there are several theories. Compulsions are learned behaviours, which become repetitive and habitual when they are associated with relief from anxiety. Genetic and hereditary factors, as well as chemical, structural and functional abnormalities in the brain, can also cause OCD. Several of these factors may interact to trigger the development of the disorder. The underlying causes may be further influenced by stressful life events, hormonal changes and personality traits.

One treatment approach that has received intense research attention is cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) specifically focused on exposure and response prevention strategies. This involves the individual gradually exposing themselves to feared stimuli and then working to not engage in a compulsive act, leading to a diminishment in anxiety and fear over time. There is also some research suggesting acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) may also be effective in helping to manage OCD. ACT is a mindfulness based approach that supports individuals to confront feared emotions, thoughts, images and memories and working to create a life of meaning and purpose through feeling more comfortable with one’s inner experience and developing flexible thinking.

It’s important to note that, as with all mental health conditions, we cannot make any guarantees with respect to the outcomes of engaging our psychological treatment. Furthermore, if we believe someone has an underlying psychiatric condition that requires specialised assessment, we will at that stage make a referral to a psychiatrist.

Our skills, tools, and resources may help you work through your obsessions and compulsions. Working together with our counsellors may provide access to several other treatment methods, such as NLP, hypnotherapy, dream interpretation, mindfulness therapy, and more.