Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a disorder where people experience recurring and unwanted thoughts, images or urges (which are termed obsessions) that trigger feelings of immense distress/anxiety and drives them to engage in repetitive behaviours (compulsions) to decrease the feelings of distress. OCD can be very debilitating and disruptive of one’s daily life.

Common obsessions that can preoccupy someone with OCD include fears of contamination, losing control, unwanted or forbidden thoughts involving sex, religion or harming others, and obsessions related to perfectionism.

Common compulsions in OCD include Washing and Cleaning, Mental Compulsions (e.g. counting when performing a task, praying to prevent harm), Checking, Repeating (e.g. repeating an activity a set number of times) and Symmetry/Ordering (having things lined up in a certain way).

Research shows that the most effective therapeutic intervention for OCD is Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)  and/or medication. Please contact me if you would like to discuss how ERP can help you manage any OCD symptoms that you may be experiencing.