What is OCD?
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, also known as OCD, is a common mental health disorder that can affect all types of people. OCD manifests itself in obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviours which, over time, can engulf the person suffering and stop them living a normal and happy life.
Treatment for OCD
There are many approaches to OCD therapy, which include treatment programmes based on current expertise and clinical advice. Whether you experience the obsessions or compulsions of OCD, it’s important to get the correct OCD help that will ultimately help manage and improve current and future symptoms.
OCD treatment can include different types of CBT, including Exposure Response Prevention and Cognitive Therapy and these therapies work in different ways. The first looks to stop anxieties and compulsive behaviours strengthening each other.This is done through gradual exposure to fears, alongside learning the best way to stop usual compulsive behaviours. The latter refers to OCD therapy that acts as a problem-solving technique, focusing on the way we think and act, meaning we can manage and overcome emotional difficulties.
Claimont’s private OCD treatment services include these specialist therapies and more. With Claimont’s specialist help for OCD, you can overcome compulsive behaviours and learn to manage feelings, resulting in reduced obsessions and a better overall quality of life. Regular contact with a Claimont mental health professional, who is able to provide home OCD treatment, can improve the symptoms, whether that be in your home or over the phone.
We will put together a bespoke treatment plan that works best for you and your needs, whether your symptoms are severe, moderate or mild.
Symptoms of OCD
Common signs of OCD are the recurring obsessive thoughts that cause worry, discomfort and sometimes disgust to the person experiencing them. These could include:
- Excessive need for cleanliness and fear of germs
- Fear of touching others in case of contamination
- Worrying that you are going to harm another person or being
- Extreme focus on religion or religious ideals
- Feeling the need for excessive order and symmetry
There are many other thoughts experienced by those suffering from obsessive compulsive disorder and these can be very personal to the individual thinking them. Not everyone will experience thoughts and compulsions, but it is common for them to go hand in hand. Once the thoughts begin to take over, compulsive behaviours are created to manage the anxiety felt and can include:
- Repeating certain mantras or words
- Excessive checking on certain appliances or locks
- Checking in constantly with loved ones
- Hoarding items such as old newspapers and used packaging
- Performing tapping or touching rituals
- Extreme cleaning or ordering of items
Thought and behaviour patterns can begin quite subtly, but increase in regularity and urgency as OCD develops over time. Stress can be a major trigger for OCD symptoms and it is important for those affected to try and manage their lifestyle as much as possible to avoid such triggers – treatments such as CBT can help with this. OCD can cause feelings of anxiety such as feeling tense, anxious, fearful, guilty, disgusted and even depressed. Carrying out behaviour or ritual like those above can improve these feelings.
Make an enquiry Or call us on 020 3941 1995
What are the causes of OCD?
As with many mental health illnesses, there has not been a specific reason identified as to why a person may suffer from OCD. However, studies have shown that those with extremely high levels of perfectionism and feelings of responsibility can be at a higher risk. Also, those who have experienced anxiety, depression or have a family history of mental illness may face a greater risk of OCD. Children who have experienced trauma at a young age may develop compulsive behaviours to help manage their anxiety, and those who have witnessed a parent struggling with the illness will be at higher risk of developing it themselves due to learned behaviour patterns. There are theories that OCD sufferers may have lower serotonin levels or higher levels of activity in their brain, but there is no concrete evidence to prove that this causes the condition and could be a side-effect of the disorder itself.
Types of OCD
There is a range of mental disorders which present similarities to OCD and are often referred to as habit disorders. These disorders can also be helped with an OCD treatment plan.
Trichotillomania – the habit of pulling out hair, most commonly eyebrows and eyelashes
Body dysmorphic disorder – this illness causes people to see their body and appearance differently to those on the outside. Grooming rituals may be excessive and compulsive.
Excoriation – This skin pricking disorder causes excessive picking and harm to skin, causing lesions and pain to the person.
Private OCD Treatment with Claimont
If you are struggling to manage the stress of everyday life through an OCD disorder, or are simply facing an overall lower quality of life, contact Claimont today to see how our OCD treatment services can help you. Our bespoke live-in care and home treatment plans are tailored directly to your needs, allowing you to combat OCD symptoms, so you can live happily and healthily.