Obsessive-compulsive disorder
OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder) involves intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviours that significantly impair daily functioning. CBT with ERP (exposure and response prevention) is the gold standard; mindfulness, so
Quick answer
OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder) involves intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviours that significantly impair daily functioning. CBT with ERP (exposure and response prevention) is the gold standard; mindfulness, somatic awareness, and nutritional support are used as complementary approaches.
Do any of these feel familiar?
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder is characterised by two intertwined experiences: intrusive, distressing thoughts, images, or urges (obsessions) that feel impossible to dismiss, and repetitive behaviours or mental rituals (compulsions) performed to temporarily relieve the anxiety they generate
- Common themes include contamination and cleanliness fears, harm obsessions, symmetry and orderliness, and intrusive thoughts about taboo subjects
- The relief from compulsions is short-lived, and the cycle typically escalates
- Many people describe feeling ashamed of their thoughts and hiding the extent of their rituals
- OCD is often significantly underestimated by those who haven't experienced it — the term is widely trivialised in everyday language
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