OCD Treatment
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) can be characterised by a combination of obsessive thoughts, feelings and compulsions. OCD is an anxiety disorder associated with repetitive thoughts and actions. For some compulsive behaviour can become excessive you may have recurrent thoughts, sensations, urges or visualisations. You are also likely to demonstrate compulsive actions to reduce the fear and anxieties of these compulsive thoughts.
Stress can trigger symptoms of OCD this could be as a result of work/relationship difficulties, unemployment or illness. It is also thought that it can be due to painful childhood experiences or traumatic events with obsessions and compulsions used as a coping strategy. Obsessions and compulsions will vary from person to person but some common examples are:
- Obsession with cleanliness, fear of dirt or germs
- Sexual obsessions
- Moral or religious obsessions
- Aggressive obsessions, self harm or thoughts of harming others
- Excessive hand washing
- Checking repetitively, for example, plug sockets switched off
- Praying or repetitive counting in your head
- Arranging items in a certain order
- Touching or tapping objects a certain number of times
Symptoms of OCD may be gradual and can last for a long time if they are not addressed and treated. A person experiencing OCD may go to great lengths to avoid situations that may trigger their symptoms. Obsessions and compulsions can take up a lot of time and can make life unmanageable for some without the right support. Whilst there is no cure for OCD there are a number of different coping strategies that can be used minimise and manage the symptoms.
At Serenity Health we will provide you with a treatment programme suitable for your individual needs. Our fully qualified team are all caring empathetic people, some of whom have been there them self. Please contact one of our team should you require any further advice or information on treatment options available to you.