What is OCD
I Straker Consultants specialise in treating all aspects of severe and enduring mental health, and as such have significant experience in successfully treating Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). OCD features a pattern of repeated unwanted thoughts and fears (obsessions) that lead people to perform ritualistic and repetitive behaviours (Compulsions). These obsessions and compulsions can interfere with daily activities and can cause significant distress. A simple example of what OCD might look like is someone having a fear about being burgled in which the thought becomes obsessive and what we may clinically describe as intrusive, ultimately resulting in that person compulsively and repeatedly checking to see whether doors and windows are locked which we describe as the ritual and thus momentarily reducing the anxiety. OCD is a cycle of obsessions, anxiety, compulsion, and temporary relief which feels to the patient as unbreakable, but with private OCD therapy, we can break the cycle. We have successfully treated 100% of our patients with OCD.
Treatment for OCD
People suffering from OCD can sometimes be embarrassed or ashamed of their condition, thinking that they will look ‘mad’ if they divulge to anyone that they are suffering with certain symptoms. OCD is just like any other mental illness and there is no need to feel ashamed of how the illness is manifesting itself. Even though OCD is an incredibly complex issue, there are some very affective treatments that can help reduce the impact it has on a person’s life.
The main treatments are:
- Psychological therapy, usually in the form of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) which helps you face your fears without putting them right through compulsions.
- Medicine is also a possibility in the form of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI’s) which can help by altering the balance of chemicals in the brain.
CBT tends to work quickly whilst medicine can sometimes take several months to be affective. Both treatments work well in conjunction with each other. By taking the first step in seeking private treatment for OCD, you are already closer to remedying an horrendous mental health issue that can take away your peace of mind, ability to perform everyday tasks and ultimately your freedom. Using one of our experienced OCD therapists, I Straker Consultants are in a good position to help you gain back control of your life and keep any future OCD urges at bay.