Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition that manifests itself in two key ways: obsessions and compulsions, both of which can cause serious distress to sufferers in all aspects of their lives.
Obsessive thoughts
Typical obsessive thoughts include very persistent and unwelcome thoughts or urges that cause significant anxiety to the sufferer. The constant worry that the person forgot to lock the front door, or an overwhelming dread of catching an infection are representative of the type of negative thought pattens associated with obsessive disorders.
Obsessive behaviours stem from obsessive thoughts, unrelenting urges or intrusive mental images, that causes stress, induces anxiety, and impacts a person’s day-to-day functioning. It may be the person has obsessions related to perfectionism or irrational thoughts of harming themselves or others. In others, obsessive thoughts can present in the form of disturbing mental images which they cannot control.
Compulsive behaviours
Compulsive behaviours are a person’s reaction to thoughts they are unable to control. Compulsions are characterised by either a physical or mental ritual that a person feels compelled to perform.
These routines can include showering or bathing many times a day or repeating a task a specific number of times – such as turning a light switch on and off – with the misguided belief that something bad will happen if they don’t complete the ritual.
Compulsions may also manifest in subconscious physical forms of repeated behaviours, such as clearing the throat, rapid blinking or twitching. Despite their compulsions and rituals, the person does not find emotional relief from completing their tasks. Sometimes the person may not be aware of their compulsive behaviour—and those that recognise it are unable to stop performing the actions, adding to the anxiety they feel.
The condition can be incredibly distressing and confusing for the person. Time-consuming rituals or the constant fear that the door has been left unlocked are unhelpful and can stop the sufferer from leading a calm and fulfilled life.
OCD can make a person feel isolated and alone
When a person experiences obsessive thoughts, they are often not comfortable talking about them with friends or family. Obsessive behaviours can make a person feel very isolated, anxious and feel that there is no help available.
Dealing with obsessive behaviour without support can increase anxiety levels and lead to depression, which is why it is important to seek help from a professional for a diagnosis and treatment.
CBT and OCD
There are several elements that can contribute towards a person developing OCD. It can be more pronounced in a person has experienced a traumatic event, such as a bereavement, abuse or neglect as a child, or if there is a family history of OCD.
With effective therapy, obsessive compulsive disorder can be successfully treated. Cognitive behavioural therapy is a highly effective, evidence-based treatment that is commonly used to treat a wide range of mental health conditions.
It’s a method of treatment that focuses on exploring and understanding the often ingrained and deeply distressing negative thought patterns that have developed as a result of obsessive and compulsion behaviours.
An accredited CBT therapist will help their client appraise, process and respond to their emotional and physical feelings in a healthier manner, giving them a new way to help them control their obsessions and compulsions.
CBT also teaches mindfulness techniques to give individuals the confidence and tools they need to take control of their OCD. Mindfulness is a helpful component in the successful treatment of OCD, as the person is encouraged to pay attention to the present moment, letting the intrusive thoughts pass and gradually weaken the power OCD has over the person.
By learning how to have a more observational relationship with their thoughts it becomes easier for a person to be at peace with their impulses and compulsions, waiting for them to diminish, rather than repeatedly acting on them.
Professional help from the CBT experts
Jamie Dempsey has significant experience working in NHS secondary mental healthcare with Complex Care Community Mental Health Treatment. Jamie and his team offer clients suffering with OCD the opportunity to explore their challenges and navigate their way through the intense feelings, thoughts and behaviours the condition can cause.
Jamie has a proven record in successfully helping clients to conquer their obsessive and compulsive behaviours and resume a fulfilling and happier life.
If you would like to listen to a podcast from the British Association of Cognitive and Behavioural Psychotherapist (BABCP) providing more information on OCD please click Podcast
