Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) can present itself in various ways. You might find yourself stuck in a cycle of intrusive thoughts that cause distress, followed by repetitive behaviours or rituals aimed at reducing that distress. These behaviours can range from checking things repeatedly, needing to count or organize, or feeling the need to avoid certain situations.
Living with OCD can be exhausting, especially when these thoughts and behaviours interfere with daily life. Figuring out where to start when seeking help can also be overwhelming.
If you’re struggling with compulsive thoughts or behaviours, feel free to book a time with me to discuss your experiences.
Symptoms of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
OCD affects people differently, and understanding symptoms is the first step. Obsessive compulsive disorder is more than just wanting things to be clean or organized. It involves cycles of intrusive thoughts and behaviors that feel difficult to control. Common signs of OCD include:
- Intrusive thoughts or images that cause distress
- Repetitive behaviors or rituals aimed at reducing distress and anxiety (such as checking, washing, counting)
- A strong urge to perform certain actions to feel "safe" or reduce anxiety
- Feelings of distress or frustration when unable to complete rituals
- Significant impact on daily life due to time-consuming rituals
Getting Help with OCD
Treating OCD depends on the causes of your symptoms and your goals. The main OCD is Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). In some cases, it can completely resolve the OCD. Other times, therapy is a necessary addition.
For example, some people with OCD have experienced something difficult earlier in life. Treatment for them would include an ERP course, which can substantially reduce OCD symptoms. Then, some additional therapy, focusing on those difficult experiences, reducing those symptoms even further.
Most OCD treatments, particularly ERP, are intense but can be relatively quick. Treatment should be adjusted to your circumstances. But, if you would the fastest and most effective relief, be prepared to put in 30 minutes to 2 hours a day for treatment (because there is a lot of homework).
The good news is that the psychological treatments of OCD are very effective and if you do the homework, you may see major changes in 1-3 months. Progress is possible with therapy sessions alone (without additional homework), but it will ultimately cost you more time and money and will prolong your suffering.
OCD Services and Resources
There are many resources and services that can support you. I am a big believer in people educating themselves as much as possible about OCD.
Unfortunately, OCD is often a condition that is difficult to make big inroads into without some professional support early on in the process. I think the first step should be seeing your GP who, depending on your circumstances, should refer you to a psychologist and/or a psychiatrist.
If you have mild OCD, a psychologist alone is likely to be helpful. Or, if you are on the moderate to severe end, then a psychiatrist is often essential.
If you and your health professionals determine that you have a more severe form of OCD, start researching and planning for an inpatient OCD program (see the section on inpatient programs below).
It’s helpful to start planning this early because the appropriate private health coverage can drastically reduce the cost of this and there can be a wait time. Doing an inpatient program when the OCD is severe can be a great way to get off on the right foot.
Professional Treatment for OCD
Seeing a General Practitioner (GP)
A GP will assess your symptoms and refer you for psychological treatment under a Mental Health Treatment Plan (allowing you to claim rebates for psychological services) and/or to see a psychiatrist. Your GP can also discuss whether medication may be beneficial and get you started. They can also refer you to an inpatient program at a private hospital, if necessary.
Seeing a Psychologist
Doing Exposure and Response Prevention is almost always be considered one of the first treatments, and psychologists are the main providers of this treatment. A psychologist can also help you work through other mental health difficulties that might be triggering or even causing the OCD. However, note that a psychologists cannot prescribe medication nor refer you to an inpatient program.
Seeing a Psychiatrist
As medical doctors, psychiatrists can prescribe medications to help with OCD. Some also offer psychological therapies. In severe cases, they can refer you for additional treatments or inpatient programs.
Programs at Private Hospitals
Programs at private hospitals can be incredibly helpful for severe OCD or if therapy with your psychologist isn’t working. Some private hospitals in Melbourne offer treatment programs for OCD:
Self-Help and Community-Based Treatments for OCD
Community Health Services
Free Telephone, Online Chat, and Online Counselling Services
Beyond Blue Support Service
MensLine Australia
Kids Helpline (for young adults up to 25)
Support Groups
Self-Help Books and Online Resources
When I work with people we usually work through Treating Your OCD with Exposure and Response (Ritual) Prevention Therapy – Workbook by Elna Yadin, Edna Foa and Tracey Lichner.
I also usually give people some readings from Exposure Therapy for Anxiety – Principles and Practice (Second Edition) by Jonathan Abramowitz, Brett Deacon, and Stephen Whiteside.
Online OCD Program
OCD Stop!: Swinburne University’s National eTherapy Centre (NeTC) (funded by Australia’s Federal Department of Health) offers an online OCD program.
