OCD stands for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. It is a mental health disorder characterised by recurrent, unwanted, and intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and/or repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) that are performed to reduce anxiety or prevent a feared outcome.

People with OCD often experience distressing and time-consuming thoughts or compulsions that interfere with their daily life and relationships. Examples of obsessions include fear of contamination, fear of harm coming to oneself or others, and unwanted aggressive or sexual thoughts. Compulsions can take the form of repetitive behaviors such as excessive cleaning or checking, or mental rituals such as counting or repeating certain phrases.

An example of an obsession could be having intrusive thoughts about germs or contamination. A person with OCD might feel the need to wash their hands repeatedly to alleviate these thoughts, even if their hands are already clean. Another example could be intrusive thoughts about harming oneself or others. This might cause a person to perform compulsive behaviors such as checking and rechecking locks, appliances, and other potential dangers.

There are several common myths about OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) which can create stigma and misunderstanding preventing people from seeking the help they need. Here are a few of them:

1.OCD is just a personality quirk or a preference for orderliness: OCD is not just about being neat or organised. It is a serious mental health disorder that can significantly affect a person's quality of life.

2. OCD is rare: OCD is actually more common than you think. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, OCD affects about 1% of the adult population in the United States. Some Australian studies suggest a lifetime prevalence of 2% in our current population.

3. OCD is caused by bad parenting or a traumatic event: OCD is not caused by bad parenting or a traumatic event. It is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurobiological factors.

4. OCD is just a form of anxiety: While OCD does involve anxiety, it is not just a form of anxiety. It is a distinct disorder with its own set of symptoms and treatment options.

5. People with OCD are just "clean freaks": OCD can manifest in many different ways, not just through cleanliness or orderliness. Some people with OCD may struggle with intrusive thoughts or compulsions related to harm or violence.

The current evidence-based treatment for OCD is a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and medication, specifically selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

CBT for OCD typically involves a type of therapy called exposure and response prevention (ERP), where the person is gradually exposed to their feared thoughts or situations and encouraged to resist the urge to perform their compulsive behaviors. Over time, this helps to weaken the link between the obsessions and the compulsive behaviors, reducing the anxiety and distress associated with the obsessions.

SSRIs, such as fluoxetine, sertraline, and fluvoxamine, are a type of antidepressant medication that are effective in reducing the symptoms of OCD. They work by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain, which is a neurotransmitter that helps to regulate mood and anxiety.

In some cases, a combination of CBT and medication may be the most effective approach for treating OCD. It is important for individuals with OCD to work with a mental health professional who has experience in treating this disorder to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for their specific needs.

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy is a cognitive-behavioral therapy approach commonly used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It involves a structured and gradual exposure to the feared object or situation, without engaging in the compulsive behavior that typically follows.

During the treatment, the therapist works with the patient to identify the obsessive thoughts that trigger their compulsions. They then design exposure exercises that gradually expose the patient to these thoughts or situations in a controlled and systematic way.

For example, if a patient is obsessed with germs and feels compelled to wash their hands repeatedly, the therapist might start by having them touch a surface that they believe is contaminated and then resisting the urge to wash their hands for a set amount of time. Over time, the duration and intensity of the exposure are increased until the patient can confront the situation without engaging in the compulsive behavior.

The goal of ERP is to help patients learn to tolerate the anxiety and discomfort triggered by their obsessions without resorting to compulsive behaviors. This helps them to break the cycle of OCD and reduce the severity of their symptoms.

ERP is typically conducted in a structured format, with the patient meeting with a therapist for a set number of sessions over several weeks or months. It can be an effective treatment for OCD, with research indicating that it can produce significant improvements in symptoms for many patients.

Needing treatment for OCD a little bit closer to home? Try The OCS Clinic in Fitzroy.