Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

OCD manifests through a wide range of obsessions and compulsions that significantly impact daily functioning and quality of life. Obsessions often revolve around themes such as contamination, symmetry, harm, or unwanted impulses. These obsessions cause intense anxiety and are difficult to control or ignore. Compulsions, on the other hand, are repetitive behaviours or mental acts that individuals feel driven to perform in response to obsessions. Common compulsions include excessive hand washing, checking, counting, arranging items in a specific order, or seeking reassurance. Although these rituals provide temporary relief, they perpetuate the cycle of OCD by reinforcing the belief that these actions prevent harm or reduce anxiety.

The cycle of obsessions and compulsions in OCD can consume a significant amount of time and energy, disrupting daily routines, work, and social activities. Individuals with OCD may experience profound distress, frustration, and guilt due to their inability to control their thoughts and behaviours. Avoidance of triggers or situations that provoke obsessions and compulsions can further limit their ability to engage in normal activities and relationships.

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is considered the ideal treatment for OCD due to its effectiveness in reducing symptoms and improving quality of life. ERP involves systematically exposing individuals to situations, objects, or thoughts that trigger obsessions (exposure) while preventing them from engaging in compulsive behaviours or rituals (response prevention). Through repeated exposure to feared stimuli, individuals learn that their anxiety diminishes over time without engaging in compulsive rituals, leading to habituation and decreased distress.

In addition to ERP, Cognitive Restructuring is an important component of OCD treatment aimed at addressing the cognitive aspects of the disorder. Cognitive Restructuring helps individuals identify and challenge irrational beliefs and catastrophic interpretations associated with their obsessions. By altering anxious thought patterns related to fear, guilt, or responsibility, individuals can reduce the anxiety and distress triggered by obsessional thoughts.

OCD can also manifest in children and adolescents, impacting their daily functioning and quality of life. Young individuals may experience obsessions and/or compulsions related to school performance, contamination fears, or concerns about harm coming to themselves or loved ones. There are other common categories of obsessions (intrusive thoughts) and compulsions (behavioural responses) occur in children/adolescents as well. Early identification and intervention are crucial to minimizing the long-term impact of OCD on a child’s development. Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and Cognitive Restructuring are also first line evidence based treatments for OCD in children and adolescents. Parental involvement in therapy sessions can be very helpful for reinforcing strategies at home and providing emotional support to children throughout their treatment journey.