Understanding OCD
We all experience things like worrying we’ve left an appliance on, or avoiding walking under scaffolding, but for most people, these random stresses and superstitions are short-loved.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder, however, is a serious anxiety disorder, where worries and urges can have a debilitating effect on a person’s day-to-day, impacting both their mental health and relationships with others.
Based on current estimates for the UK, around three-quarters of a million people are living with OCD at any one time – around 1.2% of the population.
WHAT IS OCD?
“Obsessive-compulsive disorder is an anxiety disorder that causes people to experience a variety of symptoms that typically fall into one of two categories,” explains consultant psychiatrist Dr Paul McLaren of priorygroup.com.
“Obsessions are characterised by persistent and irrational thoughts or urges, and compulsions refer to physical or mental acts that people feel compelled to perform.”
“These irrational thoughts and behaviours can become extremely time-consuming,” adds McLaren, and the defining factor is that they feel impossible to stop or control.
It’s often commonly implied that OCD simply means that you like to wash your hands a lot, and it’s not uncommon to hear someone describe themselves as a ‘little bit OCD’ if they like to be very tidy or organised.
However, as McLaren explains: “This is not the only form of OCD. Common presentations not only include contamination worries but also double-checking and hoarding behaviour, as well as ruminations and intrusive thoughts and images.”
WHY DOES IT HAPPEN?
No one’s sure yet what causes OCD, although Glenys Jackson of Bupa Insurance says: “If one of your parents or a brother or sister has OCD, it’s possible you may develop it too. Traumatic life events, social isolation or bullying could trigger OCD or make it worse, and it can also develop during pregnancy.”
HOW IS OCD DIAGNOSED?
If you think you may have OCD and it’s affecting your life, see your GP. Jackson says: “You may feel embarrassed about your symptoms and it can be hard to talk about them. However, it’s important to be open and honest with your GP or therapist about any obsessions and compulsions you have.”Your GP may then refer you to a healthcare professional who specialises in mental health for further assessment or treatment.”
WHAT KINDS OF TREATMENT CAN HELP?
It can help you to acknowledge that thoughts and compulsions don’t have power over you. It is important to talk to a professional to determine what pathway is most appropriate for your presenting symptoms. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can also help manage symptoms. “CBT aims to give you the understanding and tools to carry on working towards recovery by yourself,” Jackson says. Your doctor may also prescribe medication if you have severe OCD, or if your symptoms don’t improve with therapy.” Self-care interventions are really important too, and it’s always good to remember that you’re not alone. As McLaren says: “Don’t let it prevent you from talking to people and getting the help you will need.”