OCD
What is OCD?
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is an anxiety-related condition, with the sufferers typically experiencing intrusive and repetitive thoughts, images, impulses and doubts which are often difficult to ignore. These thoughts usually, but not always, lead the person to perform repetitive behaviours in attempt to temporarily calm the anxiety.
Some of the typical obsessions may include worry about contamination and germs, causing harm to self or to others, the ordering or arrangement of objects, anxieties about throwing things away. One of the world's leading experts in this field, Professor Paul Salkovskis, says that "OCD is a disorder of a person who cares too much", as often OCD sufferers are highly consciensious, responsible and caring people, sometimes perfectionists, which makes the intrusive thoughts of possible harm to other people extremely distressing. Paradoxically, the attempts to suppress and neutralise the upsetting thoughts and images tend to make it worse, so one of the best researched treatment approaches in cognitive behavioural therapy is to encourage the individual to stop attempts to suppress the intrusive thoughts and just to allow them to come and go, without putting up a fight.
Appointments are available at my clinics in Glossop, High Peak (Derbyshire) and in Mossley (Lancashire) - both venues are around 30 minutes drive or a train ride from the centre of Manchester. Online and telephone consultations may be available subject to suitability - please enquire.
Sources of information & support
PO Box 8955, Nottingham NG10 9AU
Email: admin@ocduk.org
Stuck in a Doorway – Online OCD Forum
OCD Action
Tel: 0845 390 6232 / 020 7253 2664
Email support line: support@ocdaction.org.uk
Link to leaflet to take to your GP if you suspect you have OCD
Anxiety UK Zion Community Resource Centre, 339 Stretford Road, Hulme, Manchester M15 4ZY UK
OCD in Children and Adolescents
The Royal College of Psychiatrists
RCP's Leaflet on OCD
Understanding OCD (US)
Treat It, Don’t Repeat It: Break Free from OCD (US)
OCD Foundation (US)
Recommended books
If you buy any of the books through the links below it will result in me receiving a small commission from Amazon. This will help towards funding discounted treatment for people who cannot afford to pay the full fee.