Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a condition in which an individual experience recurring, unwanted intrusive thoughts or feelings – ie: obsessions, resulting in anxiety. This anxiety causes him/her to engage in repetitive behaviours – ie: compulsions. Symptoms of OCD generally revolve around the themes of thinking, checking, cleaning, counting, and arranging. They are excessive in nature, time-consuming, distressing and disruptive to the individual’s daily functioning.

Common psychotherapy approaches use to treat OCD includes Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Therapy (ERP) and Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT).

CBT: Involves evaluating and modifying beliefs that may be driving the intrusive thoughts and compulsions.

ERP: Involves helping the individual develop tolerance towards his/her obsessions, thus reducing the need to engage in the compulsive behaviour.

ACT: A mindfulness-based therapy where the individual learns to allow his/her obsessions to come and go while they continue with their daily life and activities.