Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
New Dawn Support & Self Help Group
 

OCD - A Brief Explanation
 

What is OCD ?

 Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), is the name given to a mental disorder that affects, in varying degrees, around 1.5% of the population.  Although there seems to be no specific cause, there are many theories on why some people suffer from OCD.  Chemical imbalances in the brain, traumatic experiences, personality types, and learnt behavior are just a few examples of these theories.
 

How does OCD 
affect a person ?

 In its most simplistic form, OCD causes a sufferer to have distressing and unwanted thoughts.  These thoughts cannot be easily dismissed and forgotten about, and because of this, they cause considerable anxiety.  The sufferer usually finds that the only way to ease this anxiety and rid themselves of these unwanted thoughts is to complete a certain task or ritual.
Although this explains the basics of OCD, the actual process is usually much more complex, and is different in each sufferer.  The initial thoughts can begin because of a particular event that has happened, or they can be invented from nothing by the OCD sufferer.  The ritual that follows can also be both physical or mental, and in some cases, there is no ritual that can help in easing the anxiety caused by the thoughts.
 

Why obsessive 
compulsive disorder ?

 A further component that is part of the disorder is the repetitive actions of sufferers.  Even though the person may have completed the ritual, they may feel compelled to repeat the ritual many times.  Further to this, a sufferer can find it hard to believe their own mind, for example, they may be looking at a water tap, they can see it is turned off, they know they have turned it off, but the moment they turn away, the though that the tap is on leads to a state of uncertainty and anxiety which causes the sufferer to look back and check again.  This process can occur over and over again.
 

How can OCD be treated ?

 There is no medication that can directly cure OCD, but there are a number of treatments that can prove very effective in reducing and overcoming OCD.  As with any illness, your local GP is the first person to speak to regarding treatment.  They should be able to provide you with further information, or refer you to a specialist such as a psychologist.  Your GP may prescribe you certain types of medication that can help ease the effects of OCD.  Counseling, cognitive behavior therapy and psychotherapy are all examples of treatment that involve talking about your OCD to a trained person, who will then help you form strategies and skills in dealing with your OCD.  A similar type of  treatment is the self-help group, such as New Dawn.  These groups are extremely good, as you can meet other sufferers who understand the effects of OCD, and can give you advice and help.