What is OCD?
OCD affects around 1–2% of people and typically begins in adolescence or early adulthood. Obsessions are unwanted, intrusive thoughts, images or urges that cause anxiety. Compulsions are repetitive behaviours or mental acts performed to relieve that anxiety. Themes commonly include contamination, harm, symmetry, checking and intrusive taboo thoughts.
Many people wait years before seeking help because of shame about their thoughts. Intrusive thoughts are not a reflection of your character, and our clinicians will never judge you for them.
Signs and symptoms
Obsessions
- Fear of contamination or illness
- Fear of harming yourself or others
- Unwanted sexual, religious or violent thoughts
- A need for things to feel 'just right'
Compulsions
- Washing, cleaning, checking
- Counting, ordering, repeating
- Mental rituals such as praying or reviewing
- Seeking reassurance
Related conditions
- Body dysmorphic disorder
- Hoarding
- Skin picking and hair pulling
- Health anxiety
Impact
- Hours lost to rituals each day
- Avoidance of triggers
- Strain on relationships and work
How we assess OCD
A 60–90 minute consultation with a consultant psychiatrist, using the Y-BOCS to measure severity and exploring the themes, triggers and rituals involved. We screen for tics, ADHD, autism, depression and anxiety, which commonly coexist.
You receive a written report within five working days with a clear diagnosis and treatment plan.
How we treat OCD
OCD responds well to a combination of specialist therapy and, where needed, medication:
- Cognitive behavioural therapy with exposure and response prevention (ERP), the gold-standard psychological treatment
- SSRI medication, often at higher doses than for depression, or clomipramine
- Augmentation strategies for OCD that has not responded to first-line treatment
- Support for family members, who are often drawn into rituals and reassurance