OCDHow do I know if I have Obsessive Compulsive Disorder?People sometimes joke about being ‘a bit OCD’ and it is certainly true that we all occasionally can be a bit obsessive about things and most of us engage in little rituals now and then.
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However, to meet the criteria required for a formal diagnosis of OCD to be made, the following need to be present;
• The person has ‘obsessions’ or ‘compulsions’ or both
• Regarding Obsessions, one must
• Have recurring and persistant thoughts, images or urges that cause a marked level of distress and anxiety
• Be aware that these obsessions are not rational
• Engage in various methods to try to ignore or suppress the obsessions
• And show that these thoughts are not ordinary worrying thoughts
• Regarding Compulsions, one must
• Feel an overwhelming need to repeat physical or mental behaviours or rituals
• Apply very strict rules to these behaviours
• Use these compulsions to reduce levels of distress or as a way to prevent something bad from happening
• Show that these behaviours are quite irrational and/or excessive in relation to the events they are meant to control or prevent
• The person does understand that their obsessions and/or compulsions are unreasonable and quite ‘over-the-top’
• The obsessions/compulsions take up at least one hour every day, or cause severe distress or greatly interfere with a persons life (work, social, personal)
• This problem is not directly as a result of a general medical condition or by the use of drugs (prescription or other)
• The person has ‘obsessions’ or ‘compulsions’ or both
• Regarding Obsessions, one must
• Have recurring and persistant thoughts, images or urges that cause a marked level of distress and anxiety
• Be aware that these obsessions are not rational
• Engage in various methods to try to ignore or suppress the obsessions
• And show that these thoughts are not ordinary worrying thoughts
• Regarding Compulsions, one must
• Feel an overwhelming need to repeat physical or mental behaviours or rituals
• Apply very strict rules to these behaviours
• Use these compulsions to reduce levels of distress or as a way to prevent something bad from happening
• Show that these behaviours are quite irrational and/or excessive in relation to the events they are meant to control or prevent
• The person does understand that their obsessions and/or compulsions are unreasonable and quite ‘over-the-top’
• The obsessions/compulsions take up at least one hour every day, or cause severe distress or greatly interfere with a persons life (work, social, personal)
• This problem is not directly as a result of a general medical condition or by the use of drugs (prescription or other)
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What can I do if I think I might have Obsessive Compulsive Disorder?
It is estimated that roughly one in forty of us will develop this disorder at some point in our lives. While it appears to be something that we can be ‘genetically vulnerable’ to, it often ‘kicks in’ during a time of increased stress and anxiety in our lives. If you suspect that you may have OCD then you can discuss this with your GP or with a properly qualified Cognitive Behavioural Therapist. Your GP can also discuss appropriate medications available. |
How can CBT help my with my OCD?
Clinical studies have shown that CBT is the ‘treatment of choice’ for milder OCD and that a combination of medication and CBT works best for more severe OCD. Cognitive Behavioural therapy offers a very structured approach to understanding and effectively managing obsessive compulsive disorder.