Obsessive compulsive disorder is a common form of anxiety disorder involving distressing, repetitive thoughts. This makes OCD particularly difficult to make sense of or to explain to other people.
Dr Arun Kishore N.R BSc, MBBS, MD, DipNB, CCST, MA (Clinical Education)
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Obsessions are distressing and often frightening repetitive thoughts which automatically come into the mind despite attempts to ignore or resist them.
Compulsions are actions which sufferers feel they must repeat to feel less anxious or stop the obsessive thoughts. A common example is not being able to stop thinking about germs and the diseases that could be caught. Washing hands over and over again helps cope with the anxiety.
Those suffering with OCD are often crippled by these fears and live an exhausting life.
Symptoms of OCD
- Cleaning routines that take up a huge amount of time
- Excessive hand washing
- Turning lights on and off a certain number of times
- Arranging objects repeatedly
- Counting to a certain number
- Repeating phrases
- Avoiding certain places or people
Treating OCD
OCD is treatable with the right medication and therapy most commonly in the form of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Our psychiatrists can do a thorough assessment and prescribe immediately as well as refer you to specialist therapist.