Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Includes recurrent obsessional thoughts and/or compulsive acts 

Obsessional Thoughts 

These are ideas, images or impulses that enter the individual’s mind again and again in a stereotype form.  They are almost invariably distressing and the sufferer often tries, unsuccessfully, to resist them.  They are recognised as the individual’s own thoughts, even though they are involuntary, intrusive and often repugnant.

Compulsive Acts or Rituals 

These are stereotyped behaviours that are repeated again and again.  They are not inherently enjoyable, nor do they result in the completion of inherently useful tasks.  The individual often views them as preventing some objectively unlikely event, often involving harm to or caused by himself or herself.  The behaviour is usually recognised as the individual as pointless and repeated attempts are made to resist it.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is equally common in men and women.  Onset is usually in childhood or early adult life. 

Treatment 

• Cognitive Behaviour Therapy including exposure and response prevention.
• Psychotropic medications including SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors).