Understanding Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterised by obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. This condition can affect men, women, and children, often starting around puberty and early adulthood, though symptoms can begin as early as age six.

Symptoms of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

People with OCD typically experience:

• Obsessive Thoughts: Unwanted, intrusive thoughts, images, or urges that cause anxiety, disgust, or unease.
• Compulsive Behaviors: Repetitive actions or mental acts performed to relieve the distress caused by obsessions.

For example, someone with a fear of burglary might repeatedly check that doors and windows are locked before leaving home. Women may experience OCD during pregnancy or postpartum, with obsessions about harming their baby or concerns over cleanliness and compulsions like repeatedly checking on the baby.

If these thoughts and behaviors affect your daily life, it’s important to seek help from a GP or health visitor who can provide support or refer you to a specialist.

Getting Help for OCD

Many people with OCD hesitate to seek help due to feelings of shame or embarrassment. However, OCD is a health condition like any other, and it’s crucial to seek treatment. There are two main ways to get help:

• Refer Yourself: Contact an NHS talking therapies service in your area.
• See a GP: They can discuss your symptoms and refer you to a local talking therapies service if needed.

Encourage friends or family members who might have OCD to seek help, and for those under 18, find specialised mental health support for children and young people.

Treatments for OCD

Effective treatments for OCD can significantly reduce its impact on your life. The main treatments include:

• Talking Therapy: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) helps you face obsessive thoughts without engaging in compulsions.
• Medication: Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) can help by balancing brain chemicals.

CBT often shows quick effects, while SSRIs may take up to 12 weeks to notice improvements. If these treatments are ineffective, alternatives such as different SSRIs, a combination of SSRIs and CBT, or the antidepressant clomipramine may be considered. Some individuals may need referral to a specialist mental health service for further treatment.

Causes of OCD

The exact cause of OCD is unclear, but several factors may contribute, including:

• Family History: Genetic factors or learned behaviors.
• Brain Differences: Unusually high brain activity or low serotonin levels.
• Life Events: Trauma, such as bullying, abuse, neglect, childbirth, or bereavement.
• Personality Traits: Meticulous, methodical individuals with high personal standards and strong responsibility senses are more prone to OCD.

Support Groups

Living with OCD can be challenging, and support groups can provide valuable information and advice. Consider reaching out to organizations such as:

OCD Action
OCD-UK
TOP UK
HealthUnlocked OCD Support Forum

These groups can also inform you about local support options. For more information, visit these websites or contact your local support services.

Ione Inness
Ione is the Director at SEND Tutoring and has over 20 years’ experience working with children and young people. In the last 10 years she has worked with children of varying different needs, including: Autism, Pathological demand avoidance (PDA), Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Attention deficit disorder (/ADD), Social, emotional and mental health needs (SEMH), Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Dyscalculia, Speech and language delays or difficulties, Cerebral palsy, Nonverbal, speech/communication delays, Challenging behaviour, Profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD), Anxiety, Cognition difficulties, Learning difficulties.

If you’re looking for support for a child or young person with special educational needs or a disability, book a free call with us today and find out how we can help.