Obsessive compulsive disorder
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a type of anxiety disorder involving two elements: obsessions and compulsions.
Obsessions are repetitive unwanted thoughts that make you feel anxious. Compulsions are repetitive behaviours and rituals.
With OCD you feel as if you have to complete these rituals or behaviours, otherwise something bad will happen. Performing the compulsions can temporarily reduce anxiety you feel with OCD in certain situations.
Why does it happen?
The causes are not fully understood. Research suggests that OCD may be related to chemical, structural, and functional abnormalities in the brain.
Genetic and hereditary factors may also play a role in the development of OCD. It’s most likely the result of several interacting factors and is affected by stressful life events, hormonal changes and personality traits.
OCD affects people from all different backgrounds, classes, cultures, sexes and intelligence levels. Approximately 2-3% of people in Ireland experience OCD.
With OCD you might realise your thoughts are irrational, but the obsessions and compulsions are difficult to resist.
With OCD you experience some obsessive thoughts and a particular compulsion. However, the intensity and frequency can vary, and it’s not uncommon for it to be worse when you are particularly stressed (eg exam time, relationship problems).
Examples of obsessions include:
- fear of contamination or dirt
- fear of harming yourself or others
- intrusive sexual thoughts
- fear of illness
- religious or moral issues.
Common compulsions may be:
- cleaning, doing or putting things in a particular order
- washing
- counting
- hoarding
- touching/repeating.
You may also be experiencing a range of emotions, including feeling:
- stressed or anxious
- annoyed and frustrated
- down or depressed
- a sense of shame (and a wish to hide your OCD from others).
OCD may affect other parts of your life too, finding you’re not able to enjoy things you normally would. You may feel the need to escape or numb overwhelming feelings by abuse of drugs or alcohol.
There are a number of different approaches to treating OCD. Using a combination of these may be the most effective.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
A doctor, psychologist or other health professional talks with the person about their symptoms, and discusses alternative ways of thinking about and coping with them.
Support groups
There are many support groups available for people with OCD where you can discuss experiences with others who have been through similar ones.
You can ask your local doctor, psychologist or psychiatrist if they know of any or contact your local community health centre. OCD Ireland have more information on getting help and support.
Write in a journal
You might like to write in a diary, or use an online journal.
Exercise
Go for a run or walk in the park to use up excess energy.
Play video games
The mobile phone game Angry Birds has been proven to help with moments of anxiety and can provide a distraction until the feeling passes.
Yell or sing
At the top of your voice on your own, or to music.
Relaxation techniques
Activities like yoga or meditation are often helpful in reducing anxiety.
Talk to someone
Talk with a trusted friend or call a helpline like the Samaritans (1850 60 90 90), which is free and anonymous.
Medication
In some cases, medication may be helpful, however this is something that you need to discuss with a psychiatrist or psychologist. Certain drugs help the brain to restore its usual chemical balance and help control the obsessions and compulsions.
Give it time
Changes in behaviour don’t happen overnight and it might take some time before all OCD symptoms go away.
Contact OCD Ireland, an organisation that helps people with the disorder, and families of people with OCD, by providing information and links to support groups and hosts online support forums.
You might like to try the following for support groups and also a treatment programme:
The Anxiety Disorders Programme St. Patrick’s Hospital, Tel: +353 1 2493200
A psychologist quoted on OCD Ireland also recommends the following books: Overcoming Obsessive Compulsive Disorder by David Veale, and Stop Obsessing! By Edna B. Foa and Reid Wilson.
Acknowledgements
OCD Ireland
Hi John - just following up after being in touch with one of our clinical advisers...she pointed out that OCD is a type of anxiety disorder and panic attacks are obviously related too - she has said that the feelings and thoughts you're experiencing are not unusual and reckons it would be good if you can go back for more intervention. You may or may not be suitable for CBT, depending on what's going on in the background for you, but she thinks you would definitely benefit from further psychological input. Maybe you can talk to your GP about different options?
Take care
Derek
Hi John
We don't think it's unusual for OCD and anxiety to coincide and it may be that there are common underlying reasons for you experiencing both. You're clearly trying to work through the way you're feeling and it's very positive that you've had a good experience of CBT - although it's a pity you only found it useful, rather than effective.
At ReachOut.com we're not health professionals but we do work closely with our clinical advisers who are. We will get in touch with them and ask them if they have any additional advice based on what you have told us. It may be that speaking to a counsellor or therapist to explore why you might be experiencing anxiety will help - let's see what our advisers say,
Take care
Derek
Hi, I have a lot of anxiety issues, one of which is Obsessive compulsive disorder. My anxiety issues got worse after a panic attack back in 06' and i started to become agoraphobic, fear of fear, social anxiety, basically retreated into my own comfort zone, over a few years it escalted into health anxiety, fear of being very ill, catastrophizing things thinking i have cancer etc. Sometimes the ocd gets combined with the health anxiety thoughts. eg. If i don't perform a certain action ritual, that will cause cancer, or if i had something wrong with me, not performing a ritual would make some physical ailment IF already there..much worse. I know it sounds bizaree, but wondering if you can offer some advise. I have tried a little bit of CBT, and found it useful, but not enough for it to be effective. are there any other treatments ? and is it common for health anxiety and ocd to collide ? thanks
Hi Trisha,
It can be really hard if we are concerned about our child’s mental health and dealing with hospitals and assessments can be a bit overwhelming too.
Identifying that your child could be experiencing OCD early is really positive.
Whether your child has OCD or not you have obviously picked up that they are going through a tough time. It’s really great that you are talking to a professional about the best way to help your child get through whatever they are experiencing.
There are many different ways to help young people experiencing anxiety. It may take some time to identify what kind of strategies or therapies may help your child but it will be worth it.
You may be doing this already but it can be helpful to read up on OCD so you can better understand what your child is going through. The OCDIreland website is quite useful too
In terms of preparing for the assessment, this factsheet on visiting a counsellor for the first time can give you some tips.
It's easy to get flustered in an assessment like this, so for example having questions written down before hand is a good idea. This ensures you remember to ask all the questions you may have.
It may be worthwhile to speak to someone like your GP or a counsellor specialising in OCD yourself to get advice and help you to learn strategies to support your child and gain a better understanding of how to help them. The Counsellingdirectory website has contact details for counsellors working in the area of OCD in Waterford.
All the best
Roisin