Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is an anxiety condition characterised by either obsessions (thoughts, ideas or images) and/or compulsions (behaviours or acts) that are repetitive, and viewed by the sufferer as unpleasant, excessive or unreasonable. The thoughts and compulsions are often resisted, but not always successfully, which can lead to distress and lots of wasted time.
Obsessions might include fears about contamination, fears about harm (for example the death or injury of a loved one) and/or violent or sexual thoughts
Common compulsions include hand washing, counting, checking, ordering and cleaning.
OCD can sometimes be helped using medications such as Fluoxetine, but this will rarely be effective in alleviating all the symptoms. Most often the treatment will involve either Cognitve Behaviour Therapy (group or individual), or CBT in combination with medication. Counselling/psychotherapy is not recommended if you main problem is OCD.
If you think that you might be experiencing OCD and would like an assessment and/or therapy from a clinical psychologist or a CBT therapist, Changing Minds can offer you this from locations throughout Hertfordshire and North West London, including Harrow, Watford, Borehamwood and Berkhamsted. We are also able to offer online therapy via Skype.
