Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)

What is obsessive compulsive disorder?

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a type of anxiety disorder involving two elements: obsessions and compulsions.

Obsessions are repetitive unwanted thoughts that make you feel anxious. Compulsions are repetitive behaviours and rituals.

With OCD you feel that as if you have to complete these rituals or behaviours otherwise something bad will happen. Performing the compulsions can temporarily reduce the anxiety you feel with OCD in certain situations.

With OCD you might realise that your thoughts are irrational, but the obsessions and compulsions are difficult to resist.

OCD affects people from all different backgrounds, classes, cultures, sexes and intelligence levels. Approximately 2-3% of Australians experience OCD.

What are the symptoms of OCD?

With OCD you experience some obsessive thoughts and a paricular compulsion. However, the intensity and frequency can vary, and it's not uncommon for it to be worse when you are particularly stressed (e.g exam time, relationship problems).

Examples of obsessions include

• fear of contamination or dirt
• fear of harming yourself or others
• intrusive sexual thoughts
• fear of illness
• religious or moral issues

Common compulsions may be:

• cleaning or putting things in a particular order
• washing
• counting
• hoarding
• touching/repeating

You may also be experiencing a range of emotions, including feeling:

• stressed or anxious
• annoyed and frustrated
• down or depressed
• a sense of shame (and a wish to hide your OCD from others)

OCD may affect other parts of your life too and you might find you're not able to enjoy the things you normally would. You might also feel more likely to abuse drugs or alcohol as a way to escape or numb overwhelming feelings.

What causes OCD?

The causes are not fully understood. Research suggests that OCD may be related to chemical, structural, and functional abnormalities in the brain.

Genetic and hereditary factors may also play a role in the development of OCD.

OCD is most likely the result of several interacting factors and is affected by stressful life events, hormonal changes, and personality traits.

What can you do to manage OCD?

There are a number of different approaches to treating OCD, and using a combination of these may be the most effective.

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy

A doctor, psychologist or other health professional talks with the person about their symptoms, and discusses alternative ways of thinking about and coping with them. Check out the Cognitive Behaviour Therapy fact sheet listed on the right hand side.

Medication

In some cases medication may be helpful, however this is something that your psychiatrist or psychologist will be able to discuss with you. Certain drugs help the brain to restore its usual chemical balance and help control the obsessions and compulsions.

Support groups

There are also many support groups available for people with OCD where you can discuss your experiences with others who have been through similar ones. You can ask your local doctor, psychologist or psychiatrist if they know of any support groups or contact your local community health centre.

Write in a journal

You might like to use an online journal, such as the one on Reach Out! that is password protected.

Exercise

Go for a run or walk in the park to use up excess energy.

Play video games

This may be a good way to distract yourself and help until the anxiety passes.

Yell or sing

At the top of your voice on your own or to music. You might do this into a pillow if you don't want other people in the house to hear.

Relaxation techniques

Activities like yoga or meditation are often helpful in reducing anxiety.

Cry

Crying is a healthy and normal way (i.e. not weak or dumb) to express your sadness or frustrations.

Talk to someone

Talk with a trusted friend or call a helpline like Lifeline (13 11 14) - cost of a local call from a landline or Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800) - free from a landline. Both are anonymous (you don't need to say who you are) and they are open 24/7. Sometimes they can get busy - so try and be a bit patient.

Give it time

Changes in behaviour don't happen overnight and it might take some time before all OCD symptoms go away.

More infomation

There are many organisations available to assist people with OCD, or the families of people with OCD. Check out the factsheets listed on the left hand side for more info.

You might like to try some of the following organisations.

NSW

The Anxiety Disorders Unit St Vincent's Hospital
Ph: 02 8382 1730

Anxiety Disorders Clinic Westmead Hospital
Ph: 02 9840 4095

VIC

Obsessive Compulsive & Anxiety Disorders Foundation
Ph: 03 9886 9377

Or check out the links on the left hand side for more information.